#Okoye eventually will too

[siancore]

SamBucky | M | 2.1K | AO3

A/N: Written for the @sambuckylibrary SamBucky Summer Bingo 2024 Loving Card. Square Fill: Free Space.

Just my take on why we suddenly saw Bucky wearing the bright blue Henley when he visited Sam in Louisiana.

Content: Getting Together; Flirting; Crushes; Canon Universe

One of the best things about the 21st century was online shopping. Bucky loved it. He could get what he needed delivered to his door and not have to worry about venturing out into the crowds and being noticed.

Shopping for clothing had been a breeze online. He could just go back and order the same outfits that were in his order history, and he was set; good to go. Plain ensembles that were good all year round. His leather jacket was the most expensive piece of attire he owned. It was reliable. Comfortable. It was his signature look. Didn’t need much else.

Though, in saying that, he supposed he might get a couple of new outfits, since he was going to drop the new outfit off to Sam in Louisiana. Didn’t want to give Sam the opportunity to point out that Bucky hadn’t changed his outfits, yet he wanted Sam to embrace his gift. Sam could be quite contrary at times. Bucky wanted the gift giving to go as smoothly as possible. 

He had a plan, after all: Hand the new Captain America suit over, spend some time with Sam where they’re not dodging bullets, and maybe turn on that 1940s charm that he was so famous for. If nothing eventuated from it, then he was just glad to have Sam as a co-worker and friend. 

Bucky sat at his laptop and looked through the garments on this website he liked. He added a few new items to his cart, removed them, then added them once more. While he was arguing with himself about how he used to wear button down shirts his whole life, a notification box popped up in the corner of his screen denoting an incoming call. Bucky sighed and then answered.

“Ayo?”

“Guess again,” came the voice on the other end. 

“Aneka, what’re you doing?”

“Hello to you, too,” she replied. 

“Sorry,” Bucky amended. “Hello. How are you?”

“I’m well, thank you James.”

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” he asked. “Does your girlfriend know you’re using her personal secure line to bother me?”

There was a sound of jest to his voice that made Aneka smile. 

“Of course,” she replied. “There are no secrets between my beloved and I. As for you and your beloved –” 

“I don’t have a beloved,” Bucky insisted, knowing exactly where the conversation was headed. 

“Oh, I think that very lovely gift you had my beloved organize for you begs to differ.”

Bucky rans his hand over his face and said, “Ayo told you about the suit?”

“She didn’t have to,” Aneka replied. “I was in the Design Suites testing my prototype for these new blades I’m hoping to incorporate in the field when I saw your gift.”

“General Okoye isn’t gonna let you take anything but your spear into the field and you know that,” Bucky supplied.

“Hush your mouth,” said Aneka. “Anyway, like I was saying, I saw your gift while I was there. Very thoughtful, James. Captain Wilson is going to love it.”

“How do you know it’s for Sam?”

“Firstly, he is your beloved.”

“Aneka.”

“Secondly, that awful, awful color scheme has to be for an Avenger – has to be for Captain America.”

“Is it really that awful?”

“Yes,” said Aneka with a laugh as Bucky groaned. “But, it’s the thought that counts. What did he say when he received it?”

“I haven’t delivered it to him yet.”

“Oh, that is good, James. Good thinking. Hand deliver the gift to Captain Wilson, get him to try it on and do a little twirl for you, and then charm him. Right out of those red, white, and blue pants.”

“Aneka.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“James, what is it?”

Bucky took a deep breath and then said, “I kinda want this to go well. Sam deserves nothing but the best, and while I’m so far from bein’ good enough for him –”

“I rebuke that in Bast’s glorious name,” Aneka supplied, affronted. “You are good enough. Captain Wilson would be lucky to have you.”

Bucky said nothing for a moment but smiled at his friend’s words. Then he spoke up, nervous but honest.

“So, are you gonna help me?”

“Of course,” said Aneka. “Now, what are you going to wear?”

…..

“The blue really brings your eyes out,” Aneka had said to Bucky, and he listened. 

He kept the blue Henley packed away in his bag. Decided against wearing it when he arrived to deliver his gift to Sam. Though it was not in Sam to be rude or an outright asshole, there was the small possibility that Sam would tell him to fuck off and take the goddamn Captain America suit with him. Bucky was really going out on a limb, just as he had been asking Ayo for help after what he had done. But love, it seemed, made you do crazy things. 

Love? Right, yes. Love. For a co-worker slash friend. They were friends and Bucky could admit he cared for – hell, that he loved Sam Wilson. Who didn’t, right? At any rate, it was all going well. He showed up and showed his willingness to help. Showed Sam that he cared about what Sam did and his life outside of the Avengers – outside of being Captain America. Sam had accepted the gift, while he did not open it, he knew what it was. Let it sit on the docks while they worked on the boat. Kept a curious gaze flitting towards it every once in a while. 

When Bucky had mentioned getting a hotel for the night, Sam had reassured him that he could stay in Delacroix. Assured him that the people there were welcoming and friendly. Assured him that they did not care if he wore his shirts too small. 

Ha. Sam noticed what Bucky was wearing. Aneka was a genius. Bucky was glad he had saved the blue Henley for later. 

…

There was something ethereal about working away in the early morning with Sam on the boat. The sounds of the water and wildlife; the calm morning sky; Sam humming some unfamiliar song while he worked. Bucky could get used to that. He could easily and happily settle into that life in that place. It was no wonder that Sam worked and fought so hard. The place and people in his life were special. Bucky could see that. Bucky longed to have something like that for himself. 

After Sarah had relieved them of their duties, Sam took Bucky around. It was a very small town. There was not a lot to see from a tourist’s perspective, yet Bucky didn’t feel like a tourist, like a visitor. Maybe it was Sam that made him feel like he belonged. Maybe wherever he was in the world would always feel that way if he was by Sam’s side. 

They found their way back to the Wilson residence. Bucky helped Sam set up a training area outside. They tossed the shield around and talked. There was so much that Bucky wanted to say to Sam. So much he needed to say. But he listened. He listened to Sam when he spoke about how the history of the shield was complicated, especially for Sam as a Black man in America. How what had happened to Isaiah Bradley was abhorrent. How there were people, Sam’s own people included, who would be against him carrying the shield and taking up the mantle. Bucky listened, really listened. He listened until Sam had said everything he needed to say. 

“I owe you an apology,” Bucky said then. “There was no way Steve, or I could’ve even imagined what it would be like for you. Thing is, we didn’t even consider it. He said you were a good man. He said you’re the only person he could see taking up the shield. And I believed him because I trusted his word before I got to know you. And he was right. You are a good man. The best man for the job. But I got caught up in my own feelings of – of loneliness and I projected a whole lotta stuff onto you when I had no right to do that. I learned how to live in this day and age, I could’ve taken a little time to learn about how the world treats you and your people. I am so deeply sorry, Sam. Sorry for making all of this harder on you than you needed. Sorry for dismissing your feelings. Sorry for barging into your life because I was angry and upset and spiralling in my own way. None of that was fair on you. I’m so sorry.”

Sam looked at Bucky through those pretty lashes and gave him a small, soft smile. 

“Thank you,” said Sam quietly. “I appreciate that.”

The sincerity and peace in Sam’s eyes caused something to clench inside of Bucky’s chest. There was vulnerability there that Sam hardly let the world see. They spoke for a while longer while continuing to toss the shield around. Sam seemed lighter and it looked so good on him. Happiness looked good on him. He was soft and jovial and even a little flirty. It made Bucky feel like he was floating. 

When there was a lull in their conversation, Sam took a moment to drag his gaze over Bucky’s form.

“What?” asked Bucky, with half a smile playing on his features. 

Sam placed his hands on his hips, tilted his head, and gave Bucky an appraising look. 

“So, this is new, uh?” asked Sam.

“What’s that?” asked Bucky, feeling warm under Sam’s stare. 

“This color on you,” Sam explained. “Gotten so used to seeing you in black. It’s a nice change.”

Bucky could feel the blush spread across his face as he said, “Thanks.”

“That blue, it ah – it really brings your eyes out,” Sam offered, somewhat coyly, which was new. “It’s nice. You look – nice.”

Bucky didn’t know what to say. He was almost stunned to have all of Sam’s attention levelled at him like that. To have Sam being shy with him. To have Sam compliment him. 

“Well, you always look nice,” he ended up blurting out. “Doesn’t matter what you wear. You always look great. So handsome. Christ, pretty, even. You’re just – gorgeous. Shit. Sorry.”

Sam let out an amused little laugh as he dipped his head and looked up at Bucky. 

“I think you’ve apologized enough for one day,” said Sam, stepping closer. “For the record, I think you’re pretty, too.”

“Really?” asked Bucky, a blush completely covering his face and neck. “You think I am pretty?”

“Yes,” said Sam, inching closer. 

“It’s just the new shirt,” said Bucky, trying to regain his composure and going for flirty; he moved closer to Sam. “Trick of the light and all this blue.”

Sam laughed once more, “I don’t know about all that. Maybe we should get you out of that shirt and test that theory?”

Bucky almost choked on air right then and there, but recovered quickly as he said, “Really?”

Sam took hold of Bucky’s hand, and said, “Yeah, if that’s somethin’ you’d want to do – with me.”

A hint of that coyness on Sam’s part came back and Bucky found it wholly charming and endearing, 

Bucky brought Sam’s hand to his chest and said, “Happy to oblige you, Cap. Whatever you want or need, just let me know.”

“How about a kiss?” asked Sam. 

“With pleasure,” Bucky replied as he cupped Sam’s face and then pressed a passionate kiss to his lips. 

…

Later in the evening, after the pair had made love for the third or fourth time – Bucky couldn’t keep count as he was delirious with happiness – Sam needed to leave the bedroom and get something to drink. He searched their discarded clothing looking for something to put on and found Bucky’s blue Henley. Bucky reclined on the too-small bed and watched Sam pull his shirt on. Something swelled inside of Bucky as he smiled up at Sam clad in his shirt. 

“That color looks good on you,” said Bucky as he dragged his gaze over Sam’s body for the hundredth time that night. 

Sam beamed brightly at him, smoothed his hand over his chest, and said, “Yeah, I might keep it.”

“It’s yours if you want it,” said Bucky sincerely, a lazy, contented smile crossing his lips. 

“Hmm,” said Sam as he climbed back onto the bed to kiss Bucky once more. “Might keep you, too.”

Bucky kissed Sam back fervently and said, “I’m yours if you want me.”

“I do,” said Sam as Bucky’s hands moved to rid him of the blue Henley. “And I’m yours, too.”

[falloutwitch2004]

Bucky Barnes × Adopted! Udaku! Reader headcanons

○ you being adopted, meant you had no claim for the Wakandan throne, which you were fine with. This gave you a chance to pursue a career outside the palace.

○ you were a vet tech, caring for the many animals of Wakanda, when you met Bucky. "Last I saw you you were in cryo-containment." You said noticing him. T'Challa was quick to introduce you both.

○ Bucky enjoyed your company. He'd watch over the goats with or without you. It gave him some sense of calm being that there was no fight for him to be a part of. "That one there, I named him Steve." He told you. "That one's a female." You laughed.

○ eventually, you both grew closer, spending more time together as more than friends. "I'll admit, I'm a bit rusty at this." Bucky admitted to you. You knew how it'd then spiral into negative self talk, to which you shut him up with a kiss.

○ but then Thanos came. Bucky disappeared along with T'Challa and Shuri. You became gravely depressed as your mother now took responsibility once more as Wakanda's queen. Okoye would plead with you to leave the confinement of the palace, but everything outside reminded you all too much of your time with Bucky.

○ when everyone returned, Bucky had moved back to Brooklynn. You had practically begged him to stay in Wakanda, but you settled for long distance, since it was best you stayed knowing T'Challa falling ill and later dying.

○ after T'Challa's funeral, you had only sadness in Wakanda. You made the executive decision to move to the states. This included you moving in with Bucky. "I don't want to take you away from your work, doll." He'd say. "I'll find work here." You'd assure him.

[uzumaki-rebellion]

"King Killmonger: The Golden Jaguar Chapter 9"

Need to catch up? Masterlist HERE.

"You're beautiful, you're wonderful! Incredible, I love you so You're beautiful! Each moment spent with you is simply wonderful This love I have for you, girl, it's incredible And I don't know what I'd do If I can't be with you The world could not go on so every night I pray If the Lord should come for me before I wake I wouldn't want to go if I can't see your face Can't hold you close What good would Heaven be? If the angels came for me I'd tell them no"

Michael Jackson – "Heaven Can Wait"

The king and queen rose early at approximately seven in the morning to shower and eat a quick breakfast of porridge, scrambled eggs and fried crocodile sausage. They chose to wear periwinkle blue linen pants and tight long-sleeved shirts to protect them from the sun that was supposed to warm the entire day without rain for once. Stylish and functional, their fits looked good enough for a royal cocktail party. Yani carefully placed her queen's isicholo on her head. Her crown was meant for all public appearances, no matter the occasion.

Okoye was adamant that they were escorted to the market on the water and also when they walked on land again. That meant four Dora Milaje canoes flanked Yani's and N'Jadaka's river paddling. The Royal Talon Fighter would be on stand-by in the air on remote if the royal couple had to be swept away from overzealous crowds.

N'Jadaka had hoped he and Yani could blend in discreetly with the people, but his aura was hard to hide behind shades and covered locs. It was better to just be open about their appearances. He walked like royalty and his presence alone jarred people in person, especially up close.

They were both excited to start their trip downriver right away. Ayo had arranged for them to have lunch at a secured location inland and stinger aircraft flown by his hand-picked Onyx Squad would track them on the water hidden behind their spectral camouflage.

He helped Yani climb into their canoe and he settled in behind her. They worked in tandem rowing with the oars for ten miles and he eventually told Yani to stop rowing so she could rest her arms and take in the views before they arrived to their destination. He paddled at a leisurely pace. Yani stuck her hand in the cool emerald water and glanced back at him occasionally with a huge smile on her face. He looked all around pleased that the weather was perfect. Directly in front of their canoe at fifty feet was Okoye. Behind them was Ayo, and on their sides were Quamba and Aneka. He knew they were having fun with them by the slips of grins that he caught on their faces whenever Yani squealed about the beauty of the landscape on the wide river, snapping more holo-pics with her kimoyo beads.

To their right lurking just above the surface were a pair of crocodiles that ignored them as they floated by. Everything around them was wide open, green and lush. Yani waved her hands with thrilled abandon.

"I see it! I see it!" she said.

N'Jadaka could already smell the odors of cooked food, fresh fish, sweet foods, and smoking grills. Music peppered the air in the distance and there were already river boat vendors shouting about their wares for sell all across the wide body of water. Quaint floating shops shaped the throughway for all the customer boats floating about. Larger craft shops and riverside cafes closer to shore were propped up on stilts. Entire families rowed long boats to shop for seafood, crocodile meat, chicken, goat, or beef, rice, vegetables and fruits plucked from the rainforest. Entire platters of cooked combination meals were already being served hot and it was only a quarter past nine. Sparkly trinkets, hand-crafted rugs, colorful rainbows of fabric and jewelry were sold too. It reminded N'Jadaka of a Moroccan-styled Open Air Bazaar except it all took place on the river itself.

River security riding on sleek Wakandan-styled personal watercraft jetted over to Okoye and she gave them instructions on how they would proceed through the floating market. Five more security watercrafts took their direction from their boss and N'Jadaka paddled them forward.

Word spread fast.

Vendors and customers gaped openly at the king and queen. No one there was told of their arrival. Only the river security team was notified and there were emergency contingency plans on their route there. Luckily, the people were respectful. Many tried to pretend it wasn't a big deal to have royalty floating near them shopping for goods like regular citizens.

The colors and aroma of the market dazzled the eye and nose. The sounds of laughter and shouts to buy goods kept Yani enthralled. He noticed a large Ferris wheel on a pier that reached across the water filled with all kinds of amusements. Tall metal poles held an aerial tram ride that carried six people at a time over the treetops. There was also a zipline that shot couples down an exciting adventure below the grand heights of the outer emergent layer of broad-leaf forest trees that had lived for almost one thousand years.

An elderly vendor in one of the floating shops waved his thin dark carob-brown arm to get Yani's attention so she could taste a sample of his fresh chocolate candies. Yani gobbled down what looked like a piece of fudge with coconut and peanuts in it. She leaned back and handed a sample to him. He ate it and the chocolate had a kick to it as it melted on his tongue. The peanuts were roasted in cayenne pepper infused honey and the fresh grated coconut was soft.

Yani purchased a pound of it using her kimoyo beads, tapping it against the small yellow screen floating above the vendor's beads. She tucked the candy inside the water-proof bags she brought to collect souvenirs. Easing in among the other customers they enjoyed strong thick coffee with a springy layered flatbread smothered in cherry butter. They licked fingers, sipped, and spoke choppy D'Ja, a River Tribe dialect, to the proprietor floating next to their canoe with the help of their translator buds. The River Tribe territory was inside Birnin D'Jata and because the Panther Tribe and River Tribe ancestral territory overlapped, D'Ja was often used as a universal tongue since they shared a similar linguistic root.

N'Jadaka paddled further into the throng of small boats, some shaped like micro-sized catamarans carved from wood that could hold up to four people and their goods in the center. Yani inspected bananas, mangoes, passion fruit, papayas, loquats, and various tree nuts before buying two pounds of fried plantain chips from a young woman who couldn't stop fawning over meeting the queen in person. He watched his wife nibble fried fish nuggets and barter over sweetbread stuffed with sweet vanilla cream.

"Yani, you'll be too full to eat lunch at the restaurant later," he said.

She crammed half of the sweetbread in her mouth and flushed it down with chocolate goat's milk.

"I'll make room," she said stuffing the other half of bread into her mouth.

The two older women who sold Yani the sweetbread grinned at the king. One of them clucked her tongue at him in a friendly way.

"Kumkani, it has been a long time since we have had a good round queen. It is propper to fatten up your wife. It makes her even more beautiful than she already is. Here we call Queen Yani our special daughter because she looks like us with lighter skin. Do not deny her the pleasure of food. A fat woman is a gorgeous woman who is loved," she said.

N'Jadaka burst out laughing at the openness.

"Fatten her up, huh?" he said.

The woman nodded emphatically and stuffed another bag of sweetbread into Yani's hand.

"I promise you kumkani, make her a bigger woman and you will never have any problems in your life."

He sampled the bread and stayed away from any more sweets. However, he did put another small round sweetbread in Yani's hand. Good elderly women never steered him wrong and he always enjoyed big women. Another thirty pounds on Yani might be the move, he thought.

"There's so much to see here…almost too much. I can't believe this goes on every day," Yani said.

Their security made sure they had plenty of room to maneuver and that made it easier for him to control the canoe and keep it from bumping into boats crammed close to theirs and the Doras. Vendor after vendor slid their boats against each other trying to sway customers their way. From an outsider's perspective it looked chaotic to N'Jadaka, but there was a natural rhythm to the dense population sharing water space. A pretty woman in a faded green dress and short close-cropped hair floated next to their boat under Okoye's watchful eye so that Yani could check out her supply of fresh flowers picked from the forest floor earlier that morning. N'Jadaka paid for several bouquets delighting the vendor. He allowed her to take a picture of him and Yani. Aneka snapped the holo-pic with her kimoyo and transferred the image to the woman so she could be in the photo too. Once Yani had her fill of shopping on the water and filling their canoe and all of their Dora Milaje's canoes too, they went to the pier, tied their canoe, and had one of the River security men guard their things from prying eyes.

Helping his wife out of the canoe, they were met with people holding up their kimoyo's to record their travel onto the land. Some observers seemed to just want a chance to catch a whiff of Yani's walking by air, because her perfume attracted oglers like bees waltzing to a honeycomb. Okoye and Quamba shooed folks away, but didn't deny them holo-vids under Yani's command. No citizen had become unruly and she didn't feel the need to stop them from capturing her image. Okoye warned them to stay at a respectful distance from the couple. Yani pulled a light blue shawl over her shoulders and they walked hand-in-hand up the steps that led to a busy amusement area. People played all manner of games like shooting long water guns at fish and crocodile images, and fished directly from the pier. Some ate ice cream and other treats as they watched visitors chatter and scream on spinning rides or amuse themselves being entertained by magicians and a puppet show for children. There was a line of thrill- seekers waiting to ride the zip line. A group of young musicians played instruments and sang songs for tips. The large Ferris wheel took up the far end of the pier. Scattered throughout were picnic tables where people could eat their bought food or just relax and enjoy the weather and a view of the wide river below.

They made it a point to visit each entertainment stall and snack station to say hello to the people they ruled over. Yani greeted children who shyly waved at her and giggled when she asked for their names and spoke to their parents. N'Jadaka shook hands and did his part to be cordial like his wife.

The zip line attendant allowed them to cut in the front of the line much to the insistence of the thirty people already waiting before them. Okoye and Ayo rode it first to place themselves at the final destination point before he and Yani went down. He walked up the stairs that took them to the top of the platform where a young man eagerly strapped them into the double seats. Yani held the thin strap in front of them and yelped when they were pushed down. They were so high up. Their legs dangled above the emergent layer and then there was a gentle downward swoosh as the zipline carried them through the opening in the canopy. Yani laughed and yelled her loudest to hear her voice travel across the scenery. Both their stomachs dropped. He laughed too and enjoyed the view flying past them while keeping his hand on Yani's isicholo to keep it from flying off. At the very bottom of the forest floor, Okoye and Ayo stood watching them disembark. Waiting for Aneka and Quamba to reach them, they decided to ride the aerial tram to see other parts of the forest that would also return them back up to the top where the market was, saving them a tiresome hike up the stairs or using the long escalator that ferried people back to the starting point. They rode in their own tram with the Doras in front and behind them in separate transports.

"The air is so clean and so different from Zana. Smell it?" Yani asked.

He nodded.

Far below a herd of domesticated water buffalo crossed a section of the Ibukun and Yani sighed.

"We are so blessed," she said in awe.

He stroked her cheek and kissed her.

"Happy?" he asked.

"Very."

Yani rubbed his arm.

"Let's go and find the restaurant. You're running low on batteries and wearing your hungry face," she said.

N'Jadaka clasped her hand and on their return to the market pier, Okoye guided them through a tumultuous boardwalk filled with shoppers and other citizens simply going about their regular day. They were gawked at and plenty of people stopped in their tracks to watch them pass. Yani's isicholo gave her a regal bearing that was gentler to take in as opposed to his larger-than-life figure. A few children ran up and handed Yani flowers and handmade bracelets. She accepted the flowers and sniffed their fragrance. N'Jadaka helped her put on the bracelets after Okoye scanned them for anything strange. The king didn't sense any oddities, but appreciated Okoye's thorough nature.

Ayo hustled them away to give them room for sightseeing the land-based shops and various cafes filled to the brim with men and women enjoying brunch on sidewalk seating. Most people stood up immediately the moment they realized who they were seeing, and others froze, too stunned to do anything but stare.

"This is the establishment, kumkani and ukumkanikazi. The proprietor's name is Lungile Chilza. His family has run this business for over fifty years. His wife, Nomble Chilza is the head chef," Okoye said.

Lungile and Nomble stood waiting for them at the front entrance. Nomble wore a pale green chef's hat and matching chef's apron. Her dark skin was without blemish for her age and her smile held white teeth with small gaps in them that made her look even more youthful. Lungile was a robust man with hair whiter than soft cotton that floated like a cloud three inches off his scalp. His ebony skin was shiny and smooth like his wife's.

Yani stepped forward first and greeted them both. She shook their hands and the older couple gushed over her before N'Jadaka was brought forward. He elicited nervous energy in them both. Giving a heartfelt smile that relaxed them, N'Jadaka held out his hand to Lungile and the man shook it firmly.

"King N'Jadaka…Queen Yani, my wife has prepared a wonderful meal for you. Come inside, please, make yourself comfortable. We have you seated at our best table."

Lungile held out his hand inviting them in. Okoye and Ayo stepped in first to inspect the place and gestured for them to enter. Yani sauntered in first and they immediately noticed the exquisite artwork on the walls. Landscape paintings of the Ibukun River and portraits of Birnin D'Jata life at night.

"Here…sit here, please," Nomble said.

N'Jadaka reached to pull out the chair for Yani, but Lungile beat him too it, his pudgy yet spritely frame eager to please. Yani sat down and Nomble admired the isicholo on her head.

"Your crown is so lovely Queen Yani. I enjoyed watching your nuptials to the king. It was all that everyone talked about."

"Thank you, Nkosikazi Chilza," Yani said.

"Please, call me Nomble, daughter. You are family here," Nomble said.

The other patrons in the restaurant peeked at them, but then went about eating their own meals when his eyes cast out to take in more of the restaurant décor. Lungile poured them refreshing cool glasses of chilled passion fruit juice along with glasses of water.

"Would you like anything stronger, kumkani? We have a wide array of wines and other beverages."

"This is fine for me. Yani would you like anything else?"

"I'd like a glass of your best wine from this region," Yani said.

Lungile clapped his hands thrilled that she wanted to try something else from their place.

"My wife has cooked you both a delicate smoked pork brisket smothered in a mango glaze with some savory greens and our famous spicy plantains. I will bring you a glass of D'Jata's most popular white wine that will tickle your tastebuds, my queen."

"Spicy plantains? My father Prince N'Jobu cooked those all the time for me and my mother," N'Jadaka said.

Lungile patted his chest with pride.

"Your father used to come to our restaurant when he spent time here as a teenager. My wife taught him our special recipe to make them."

"Then I have her to thank for making my belly happy when I was a child."

Lungile beamed and his wife returned to their table carrying two platters of finger foods to start their meal.

"The king loves your plantains. Prince N'Jobu cooked it for him and is mother," Lungile gushed.

Nomble cheesed hard, her cheeks rising up higher than the sun outside.

"I think in another life your father would've been a wonderful chef. He was a quick learner and loved food. He would fly here all the time with your grandparents and…."

Nomble stopped talking.

"Finish what you were about to say," N'Jadaka said.

"I do not want to upset you kumkani."

"You won't."

"I was going to say your uncle's name. My apologies for making that mistake."

"No need to apologize. My family held this place in high regard. It's why I brought my wife here. To enjoy what my father loved."

Nomble nodded quickly and her eyes watered, fearful of upsetting the king despite what he said. He reached out and held her hand.

"No reason to get upset Mama Nomble. I take no offense and look forward to chowing down on the best pork brisket in Birnin D'Jata," he said.

Nomble trembled with his hand covering hers. His touch shook her up and she wiped her eyes. Yani stood up and gave the woman a hug.

"He means what he says Mama Nomble," Yani said.

"Eh eh…the king and queen have called me Mama…me a humble cook," Nomble said.

"Who said you were humble?' N'Jadaka joked, "I heard you brag on your food to rival the chefs in the double palace."

A few patrons eavesdropping laughed at his comment and Nomble held her cheeks.

"Brag on yourself!" N'Jadaka said.

"Yes, I am the best!' Nomble conceded and even Lungile laughed with her. "Let me get the rest of your food. Baba, keep them entertained until I return."

N'Jadaka glanced at the window of the restaurant. A crowd of people stole glances at them, pressing their noses to the glass.

"I will close the blinds to give you privacy," Lungile said.

"No. Let them watch. Queen Yani doesn't want any special attention other than ones needed for safety. We are customers like anyone else."

"No…no kumkani, you are our guests. This meal is our treat."

"I insist on paying. Let me contribute to your continued success."

Lungile wanted to shake his head, but N'Jadaka's voice was commanding and the man grew nervous at the idea of pressing the matter.

Nomble returned with four servers. Three held large platters of food and a fourth carried a warm bowl of lemon water and hand towels to clean their hands. The food was placed on the table along with plates and bowls. Two servers helped him and Yani wash and dry their hands.

"Mama Nomble…Baba Lungile…you will join us, won't you?" Yani asked.

The elderly couple looked shocked at the request. A bottle of white wine was brought over to their table. Yani waved a hand to get the attention of another server.

"Please bring two more plates, bowls and wine glasses for Mama Nomble and Baba Lungile," Yani said.

The server hurried away and N'Jadaka stood to pull back the chairs across from them for the elders. Nomble handed her chef's hat and apron to another server. Her silvery-white hair was styled in puffy Nubian knots. She took her seat next to her husband and N'Jadaka helped push their chairs closer to the food-laden table. Lungile gave instructions to another server to take his place as the host and Nomble gave instructions to her other cooks to continue working without her.

"A toast," N'Jadaka said after he poured glasses of wine for his hosts.

Glasses clinked and the wine tasted crisp and delightfully elegant. A perfect pairing with pork. Yani shared their day in the market and the older couple sat spellbound listening to his wife rave about their honeymoon thus far. N'Jadaka discussed the history of the river market with Lungile full of enthusiasm, and after a couple of glasses of wine and delectable food, all four of them chatted like lifelong friends catching up. Loquacious and energetic, Nomble and Lungile were avid historians and prideful people. N'Jadaka learned more about the River Tribe in one sitting than he ever did reading about it or hearing tidbits from Nakia. The Chilza's were happy to answer any question they had, and Yani had plenty more over dessert.

"There are so many breathtaking places throughout D'Jata," Yani stated over another glass of dessert wine that was nearly empty, "We hiked above the waterfall near Ekuqaleni and it looked so unreal above the trees."

"Ekuqaleni is a very special place to the River Tribe. It is where the Panther Tribe and River Tribe made their truce before the final war of binding us all together with King Bashenga," Nomble said.

N'Jadaka offered to pour more after-dinner wine for her, but she held up a hand and latched her eyes onto Yani's.

"We were told our tribe had a habit of intermarrying with yours," N'Jadaka said.

"Elder Bhira's niece and your cousin carried on the tradition. In a way, you've also carried it," Nomble said.

"How so?"

Nomble folded her plump fingers on the table and smiled at Yani first before wrenching her eyes away to gaze at the king.

"She is a child of Mama Wati. As was your mother kumkani. We see the Lost Tribe as our kin. Other tribes in Wakanda do not agree, but we do. In our oldest creation stories they say that a lost child from outside will return here and raise an empire."

"Empire?" N'Jadaka chuckled.

Yani studied his face carefully. It was a touchy subject with her since their return from the states. Several African nations surrounding them accused him of that so often that it became a narrative that carried far and wide on the continent.

"I have no plans for empire, and I've never read in our books about creation where someone comes back here to do that," he said.

Lungile patted his wife's hand and Nomble grinned.

"Not your Panther Tribe stories, kumkani, ours. My people of this region," Nomble corrected.

"Tell us your story," Yani asked.

"I have taken up much of the talking, I will let my husband share that."

Nomble looked at Lungile and he cleared his throat.

"We used to think they were fables…myths that we told our people in times of war, famine or intertribal disagreements that may have led to more war. I suppose every culture in the world has a story about a savior of some kind appearing to redress all wrongs. Isn't that what the Christians out there believe their Jesus will do? In Wakanda, Bast is the great cosmic mother who birthed daughters and sons that she planted like seeds on this earth. One of her daughters, Mama Wati, was planted near here before there was any water in the world at all. The Ibukun River that we know of today used to be a big dry gorge that stretched all the way to where the sea is now. Bast spit on her precious seed, and our water goddess sprang forth fully formed. This is why every newly married king must offer his seed back to her in a burning ceremony before he can taste the fruits of his wife—"

"Lungile! Sthhh! Must you say that in front of our queen?" Nomble scolded before covering her mouth with embarrassment.

Lungile lifted his hands palms up and stared at his wife.

"Aye…Mama…it is part of the story they have asked me to tell."

Yani laughed and tilted her head. Her eyes twinkled.

"Go on, Baba…tell us more," Yani encouraged.

Nomble rolled her eyes and sat back in her chair with her arm thrown over the back of it, her body turned toward her husband. Lungile slowed his cadence, making his voice sound more dramatic with the telling.

"Mama Wati made the great trek through Wakanda leaving water in her wake, creating all of our lakes and rivers and waterfalls until she reached our empty ocean and gave the world all of the liquid you see all over the planet. She was given dominion over all the water that birthed all the creatures in the sea and even mankind. She is the goddess of childbirth and healing. She is the goddess who cradled the first man and first woman on this earth. The Panther Tribe says that Bast is the mother of us all, but in our ancient stories that were written on the sides of cliff walls in a language we don't even speak anymore, she is actually the grandmother. Mama Wati is our ancient mother. She is your mother too," Lungile said with conviction.

The older man's voice grew softer. He sipped some dessert wine and looked down at his fingers.

"In the dark days, when the slavers came to this continent, we in Wakanda didn't always have secure boarders or have the full capabilities to make our shield dome just yet. The border tribe protected all of us. They are some of our fiercest fighters. We were still warring with the nations along our borders and knew we had to close ourselves off from the rest of the world in order to prevent more bloodshed and other countries discovering our secret. Mama, you tell the rest, you know it better than me," Lungile said.

Nomble turned back to Yani and N'Jadaka.

"Well…there are several versions of a prophecy that have been handed down, and depending on which clan you talk to, it is said that a child of ours…a Wakandan…would come to us from the outside world and help protect the entire nation by creating a vast empire by absorbing other tribes into our fold. No one believed it of course because we had closed ourselves off for centuries. We were never slaves to anyone so it would be impossible for Wakandan blood to leave our borders…let alone return to conquer other nations and rule over them. But here is the most interesting part, and this comes from the eastern faction of our region…"

N'Jadaka glanced at Yani and his wife's eyes were as big as plums. She had leaned forward in her seat. He reached over and rubbed the middle of her back. Nomble palmed her hands together, warming up to her addition of the story.

"The people there say that it's not one child who will return, but actually two from very different places in the world who will guide the hand in the building of a future empire. Unfortunately, the stories never say when this will happen."

"Well it can't be me or in my time because I'm the only person to return here with Wakandan lineage from the outside that shifted the culture… and like I said, empire building is not on my agenda," N'Jadaka said.

Nomble nodded her head.

"The prophecy says that it will happen in a time of great distress, and I think you have already fulfilled it when you fought the alien intruders. You are powerful enough for two people, kumkani," Nomble said.

"Or," N'Jadaka said, "My greatest grandfather already fulfilled the myth by uniting all the tribes during the great battles back in the day. Remember, he was still an outsider to your people until he married Queen Tiye, your tribal member. Their first child was born outside of this territory and brought back to your people."

"True, true," Nomble said, "But the elders of long ago had many stories and who knows, we could be living out what was told long ago and choose to ignore it because we think myths and fairy tales are for children."

N'Jadaka thought of the stories he was raised with back in Oakland. Believing in fairy tales from his father brought him an entire kingdom to rule. As far as he was concerned, fairy tales held kernels of truth. Had he fulfilled the legends on their cliff walls and whispers around long ago campfires? If two children were supposed to come back…

Riki and Joba.

His heart thumped a little faster. His two youngest children came from two very different places in the world. They had Wakandan blood through him.

Lungile lifted his wine glass and his hand shook slightly. He was a little tipsy.

"To King N'Jadaka Udaku and also our first ruler, King Bashenga…two great kings who helped save the nation twice…our myths who sprang to life!" Lungile said.

N'Jadaka and Yani raised their glasses for a final toast.

A pregnant customer headed for the exit with her husband and Yani stopped them to ask how far along she was. The expectant mother shared that she was seven months along. After they left, servers began lighting candles on all the tables. Yani checked her kimoyo beads.

"We have been here for three hours. Taking up all your time," Yani said.

"Stay as long as you like, in fact, stay for the dancing," Nomble said.

"Dancing?" N'Jadak glanced around at the dining area. The Chilza's restaurant had nothing but tables and chairs for eating.

"Come see…in the back," Lungile said.

He ushered them with their Doras who finished eating their own meal hours ago to a door that led to another section of the restaurant that was set up with a bar and a dance floor. A bartender and a few waiters prepared for an evening crowd. D.J. equipment was set up in a corner and a woman behind the D.J. booth fiddled with a soundboard. Everyone stopped what they were doing to set their eyes on the king and queen.

The walls were decorated with giant pink flamingoes and 3D blue lagoons that gave the space a marshland setting that didn't match the décor in the restaurant. Nomble noticed the confusion on N'Jadaka's face.

"In three weeks the pink flamingoes flock here before they set off for Birnin S'Yan's beaches, right before the Mama Wati celebrations. It is a spectacular sight. Vast numbers, over two hundred thousand alone flock to Umbono Lake and then migrate through our territory," Nomble said.

"What do you think, kumkani, hmm?" Lungile said, wiggling his hips and holding his hands out like he had a dancing partner, "You and our wonderful queen enjoying a night of music and dancing together?"

N'Jadaka waved his hand. He rubbed his stomach and reached for Yani's hand, pulling her next to him.

"You have fed us beyond capacity. Your reputation as a master chef has been proven Mama Nomble and because of that, we'll probably start to nod off. Another time," he said.

Yani released his hand and held Nomble's shoulders, "Thank you for your hospitality and the fantastic food. We will come again real soon and bring our children."

"That would be our honor, ukumkanikazi. Please let us show you out," Nomble said.

Lungile rushed off to the back of the bar and met them outside later carrying another bottle of top shelf wine and a small tan biodegradable container.

"A gift from us. Enjoy it tonight. Our best wine you enjoyed and some spicy plantains to snack on later. It is Mama Wati's favorite offering outside of sugary sweets and flowers. Give some to the river and she will taste that you know her as your own," Lungile said.

N'Jadaka took the gifts. The Dora Milaje blocked off the street as the royal couple said their final goodbyes. The evening patrons studied their interactions and Okoye summoned the Royal Talon Fighter to fly above them for a gravitational pick up. The tracker beam pulled them into the aircraft and Yani hugged N'Jadaka's waist.

"Today was so beautiful," Yani said.

She settled in their comfortable couch in the back and they watched their flight across the boardwalk. Ayo traced her fingers on the viewscreen across from them to lift the six canoes they used that were stuffed with all of their river market shopping. A gravitational force field kept the canoes stuck against the bottom of the aircraft.

They arrived at the treehouse encampment in time to catch a new display of stars above the river tributary. The canoes were lowered onto the ground with them and Yani picked out items that could go onto their houseboat, and the rest that would be stored on the Talon Fighter. The Doras worked quickly and the canoes were pulled back up to the aircraft.

"Remember to leave two canoes at the houseboat. We'll need the extra for when the children join us," N'Jadaka instructed Aneka.

Yani pulled off her isicholo and walked up the stairs into the treehouse.

"I am beat," she sighed.

She tucked her crown inside the special hat box made for it that locked by her fingerprint. Too tired to bathe or do anything else, they slipped off their clothes and went to bed early. They cuddled and listened to the night song of nocturnal creatures.

"Okoye had a hard time today, yeah?" Yani said in the darkness of the room.

The faint light of stars appeared above the skylight. He stroked Yani's arm.

"She doesn't like us to mingle with citizens in the streets for long. Too much unpredictability and one thing that woman wants is to control every security move."

"It looked like she had a little fun, even though she was strict."

"Yeah, they all did I think."

"Imagine being forced to canoe on a lovely day and fly across tree tops," Yani said.

"The nerve of us making her do all that," N'Jadaka teased.

"I know right? Her having to eat chocolate and cake samples because the queen couldn't make up her mind which tasted better."

"You also demanded that she eat that jumbo fried shrimp plate while on duty at the restaurant."

"I expect our security personnel to comply with my wishes at all times."

"You are a cruel ruler. They will ask to have your head cut off!"

They giggled together.

"Tomorrow we will simply relax, read, and nap…deal?' he said.

"Deal."

Yani lifted her head and pressed her lips softly against his.

"I love you so much," she whispered.

"I love you, too."

Yani drifted off to sleep before he did. When she had slept for a least an hour peacefully, he detached from her and pulled on a robe. He needed to check the grounds before he could fall asleep and decompress from the day alone.

"I know your big asses aren't on that furniture," N'Jadaka scolded.

S'Bu and Unathi lounged on the outdoor couch. Unathi jumped up at the sound of his voice and quickly leapt from the couch to scurry onto a thatch of soft grass near the treehouse. S'Bu rolled over on his belly.

"Nah, man. Get down and go sleep somewhere else. Y'all ain't slick. Now I know what you do when we aren't watching. Go on now…get."

N'Jadaka clapped his hands and S'Bu joined the other panther.

"Watch my wife. Stay here," he said in Wakandan.

Both panthers ambled over to either side of the staircase entrance of the treehouse and watched him move quietly around the perimeter. He sniffed the air and used his own special nocturnal vision to check for movement of any animals. He had been warned that crocodiles sometimes crawled onto the land to sleep under their outdoor furniture often, attracted by the energy of the place. There were protective barriers and warning systems in place to let them know if any had snuck into their area.

Nothing was out of order.

The moon finally rose above the trees. A halo of colorful hazy light surrounded it indicating new rain to come in a few days. It was a good sign. He and Yani would be floating on their houseboat and could enjoy the patter of raindrops falling on the lake they would anchor down in for a week.

Moonlight sparkled on the tributary and he thought of the conversation with the Chilzas. They reiterated what he had been told about Ekuqaleni. It was a place of enchantment that made one feel that anything in life was possible for those who walked among the ancient trees. He understood why the people there considered it a healing place. There was a spiritual energy that pervaded it. It prodded the mind and body to recognize it.

It also made him feel like something would happen that would nudge him to some important discovery about himself. There was a power there that still made the hairs on his neck and arms rise like it did when he did his sabbatical at the Temple of Bast. This was a kindred power. He searched within his soul for reassurance from Bast herself. She rested within him quietly letting him settle into the expectation. Ogum slumbered in a deep repose, unbothered by the place.

Ekuqaleni was tranquility and contentment. A needed retreat from the responsibility of holding up a nation that dominated the political landscape of the outside world. It gave his wife joy, and whatever Yani wanted he would give it to her in abundance with more trips together out in nature.

He wandered about on a sort of meditative walk that cleansed the slate for that day. The staff would bring them breakfast in bed in the morning per his directions. Perhaps by noon he and Yani would frolic in the bigger pool of water, or maybe take a dip in the tributary. Sunbathe. Sleep. Make love.

The children crossed his mind. He missed them dearly, but he had to admit, time away from them and being alone with his wife was a dream come true. No wonder his parents snuck away to their bedroom as many times as they did when he was a child. It was good to be in solitude with your beloved and not have to worry about your child for a few hours. His parents had one child, but he had three and more energy depletion because of it. He couldn't even imagine his parents handling two more of him growing up.

Two more of him.

The Chilza's story still poked around in his mind. The possibility of Riki and Joba fulfilling some long ago legend bothered him. Unlike his own later childhood, N'Jadaka wanted his children to grow up knowing nothing but peace and security. He would be the only one of his new lineage that would experience war and have to build up nations to defend their own lands. One day all three of his children would have to do the mandatory military service required of all citizens. He would raise them to become whatever they wanted and whichever one took over the throne, he would become their counsel.

The idea flitted in his mind about whether or not he wanted them to even take on ruling the nation. All Udakus had been raised to one day take the throne. What if Riki or Joba didn't want to? Sydette was legally his daughter in the eyes of the ruling class, so she would also be considered for the role. But he knew all of the tribes would challenge her at Warrior Falls. Legal daughter or not, the elites preferred direct bloodlines. He couldn't see Yani allowing their eldest to fight five challengers. Sweet Pea was a gentle spirit who detested all violence. She had survived mercenaries holding guns to her body and being shot at as a baby. It wasn't in her to inflict harm. Truthfully, he just didn't see his children choosing that life anyway. Sydette wanted to be a scientist. Riki a rock star. Joba wanted to learn new languages and study art.

A tickling in his gut compelled him to walk closer to the water.

His mother told him a child was coming that would shake up the world. Maybe the throne wasn't meant for his three oldest, but for the one that wasn't there yet. His mother had been adamant that he look out for that new one because they would be something different. N'Jadaka wasn't seeking to build empire. But maybe the next Udaku from him would.

He hurried back into the treehouse and collected three pieces of spicy plantains from the container Lungile gave him. Returning to the tributary, he knelt down in the soft, moist earth and offered the plantains to the water. They floated away toward the center and were swept downstream quickly. Still kneeling, he lifted his palms up and stared at the water.

"Mama Wati, I offer you a gift. My mind is troubled with thoughts about my children. I was a man who sought retribution in this land, but instead I gained my soul and my family back. Bast raised me and Ogum chose me, but I feel as if you have touched my life more times than I can count without even knowing it. In Brazil I knew you as Yemanjá. With my Nana Jean, she called you Cymbee. I see traces of you in my wife. Back where she is from, they call her the Black mermaid. By nature, I am not a humble man. I come from a father who was as large as a god in my eyes until he was taken from me. But now I am here…on my knees in your domain, asking for guidance…a sign that all will be well with my family. If there is a child coming who is going to build an empire, help me understand why this needs to be…if it needs to be. I have killed and spilled blood all over the earth. I don't want that life for my children. I beg of you, under the eyes of Bast, your mother, and Ogum who wields the iron of war in my blood…please. Don't let my children ever have to see the destruction that war brings again. I want them to become who I could've become if…"

N'Jadaka's night vision caught sight of the crocodile much too late to move. It rose to the surface, black eyes shining with icy concentration. He heard and sensed movement behind him. Turning his head slowly, he found S'Bu and Unathi flanking him. They sat on their haunches in a relaxed stance and not one of protecting him from the predator.

N'Jadaka regarded the giant crocodile coolly as it ambled its big body slowly from the water. He held his breath and kept the springing of his panther suit at the tip of his one immediate thought. His natural recoil reflexes were kept still and he waited to see what the croc would do.

Bast moved and the pressure of her presence sat at the top of his head. Ogum remained submerged in inactivity. This was a Wakandan matter not needing his input.

The crocodile settled its mammoth head in front of N'Jadaka's bent knees. This wasn't an ambush at all. The creature could've snapped the king's head into its giant maw, and that should've been unlikely from jump since their encampment was surrounded by security detectors. A powerful system in the water was also on alert to prevent them from sneaking onto land without people knowing. There was even a force field deterrent set up for crocs and water vipers that gave a slight shock to help them move away from that section of the river. The eyeshine in the crocs slit pupils reflected an unnatural iridescent glow that grew brighter. Mighty jaws snapped open and the croc lunged forward, its heavy snout-tip pushing weighted pressure against N'Jadaka's chest before it disintegrated into a splash of cold river water onto his chest, waist, and thighs.

He threw his hands up and gasped, startled by the frigid water soaking his robe through to the skin underneath. N'Jadaka touched his chest and the cool liquid evaporated. His robe and skin were as dry as when he first approached the edge of the tributary. He exhaled relief and his body felt light and airy. The intrusive thoughts about his children's future turned into warmth and serenity. In his mind, Mama Wati let her presence be known. Nana Jean once told him that alligators and crocodiles held spiritual meaning. They existed in two worlds, the physical and spiritual. The land was the physical world, and the water they submerged in was the spiritual one. He took on the experience as a message that he was a part of those two worlds and he would have to trust the greater wisdom of the gods to carry him through.

S'Bu nudged his head against N'Jadaka's shoulder. The king lifted his arm and scratched the back of the big cat's ears.

"You two were letting me know it was okay. I understand," he said.

N'Jadaka stood up and tilted his head back. He bathed his face in moonlight and said a prayer for his parents. And his beloved Nana Jean.

Breakfast in bed was so good, Yani ate seconds and refused to get out of it until it hit high noon.

She bathed and put on a bikini, joining N'Jadaka outside to sunbathe while reading. She held a physical book in her hand and stretched her left arm above her head indulging in doing nothing. N'Jadaka read a physical book right next to her on the lounger couch wearing tight trunks that might as well had been briefs. It did nothing to hide all that he held between his legs, his dick print and balls outlined visibly. She peeked at his face. He'd been pretty quiet for most of the afternoon. They'd chatted a lot during breakfast and once they were in their own little worlds reading, no words had passed between them for two hours.

Yani placed her book on her chest and sighed to get N'Jadaka's attention. He turned the page of his book and scratched at a scar on his chest.

"Should we call the kids?" Yani asked.

"No."

N'Jadaka kept reading, not even looking at her.

"We've been sending them vids and pictures, but we haven't spoken to them directly since we left. You think they miss us?"

"I'm sure they do, but think about it. There are a ton of little cousins still in the palace on holiday with our family. They're busy running around and having fun. Probably preoccupied with the wedding gifts we gave them too."

His eyes scanned the pages on the book, but Yani caught the glint in his eye the moment she mentioned them. There was a little twitch in his jawline too, like he'd been waiting to talk about his pride and joy.

"Three days is a long time not talking to them. Maybe just a quick chat up?" Yani said.

"We agreed to five days of no direct contact. For us."

Yani turned on her side, her fully baked skin two shades darker and smelling like sweet coconut oil.

"Just five minutes. Not a minute more. I want to see their faces."

N'Jadaka dropped his book near his side and stared at her.

"Didn't we talk about not coddling them too much? This was an opportunity to build up character and self-reliance. They have an entire staff, three nannies, great-grandparents, aunties, uncles, and cousins keeping them occupied. I don't want to be one of those helicopter parents," he said.

Yani chewed her lip and squinted when a ray of bright sunlight struck her eye when he adjusted his separate couch back support to a lower position. It unblocked the sun from his bulky frame. He glanced over at her and the pout on her face made him smirk.

"Five minutes," he said.

Yani clapped her hands and wiggled in her seat. He tapped his kimoyo beads for all three children. Riki answered first. The eyes that stared back at them with his floating image looked just like his father's when he was annoyed.

"Baba, what is it now? You keep calling us," Riki whined.

"What?" Yani yelped.

She smacked N'Jadaka's arm. Joba and Sydette's images popped up next to Riki's.

"How many times has your father called you guys?" Yani asked.

"Four times today," Sydette sighed out with an equally annoyed tone.

"Four times?" Yani said. "But I was here and I didn't see him call anyone."

They'd eaten breakfast. Swam in the river, showered, sunbathed, read their books, ate lunch and…

Yani's lip curled into a grin. She'd gone to the restroom four times that day. He'd called the kids when she was inside the treehouse.

N'Jadaka quirked his lips and shrugged his shoulders.

"All this backchat you were doin' man, and here you are calling them behind my back."

"Can we make this quick please, Mama? I'm in the middle of something with Zuko and Balwe, and if I don't pay attention, Zuko will move one of my game pieces," Riki said.

Yani looked them all over one by one. Happy, healthy, and whole. Her perfect trio.

"I miss you. It's been a long time since I spoke to you all."

"Three days isn't a long time, Mama," Joba said.

"To us it is. Neither one of us has been away from you all this long together. It feels uncomfortable sometimes," Yani said.

"But you're having fun, right?" Sydette asked.

"Yes Sweet Pea, we're having the best time—"

"Snack time everybody! Leave your toys and games where they are…what…what are you doing?" Umama said.

Their great-grandmother's face came into view.

"N'Jadaka, Yani…is everything okay?" Umama asked.

"We're fine, just checking in with the kids," N'Jadaka said.

"Again?" Umama said.

"I wanted to see their faces this time, Umama. Let them go have their snack."

"Okay, Mama, bye!" Riki said.

The call winked out.

"You sneaky cheater!" Yani said, pinching his arm. "Talking all that stoic shit and you're the one to break our pact."

"Okay, okay, I missed them a lot. They were on my mind all last night and part of today. Thinking about their future."

"Thinking about their future because of the story we heard last night?"

"Yeah. A part of me doesn't want them to carry the weight of the throne, and yet another part of me wants their legacy to be better than mine."

"You're going to be king for a very long time. We'll probably be great-grandparents before you even have to worry about succession."

"Even so, I can't be the Golden Jaguar forever. One of them may have to take the mantle while I'm still king."

Yani cradled his chin with her hand, the softness of his beard warmed by the sun.

"Listen to me. That's a long way away."

"I hear you. But you're right. It's nothing to worry about now."

He rolled over and placed his head on her stomach. She rubbed his head and untangled his locs on his back. Tension rested in his muscles. The future still rested on him. Yani hummed him a tune and stroked his forehead gently. The tautness in his muscles relaxed under her fingers.

Yani didn't like that he pondered too long on the children and their political future in Wakanda. They were finally a happy family unit and their children were living fruitful lives as normal children. At least as normal as royal children could be.

He needed something to get his mind off of politics and the march of time to come. She wanted to have fun with him and not waste their energy soothing fears.

"It's getting extra warm for me, I'm going to go cool off and rest indoors for a minute until the sun is behind the trees," she murmured in his ear.

"No, stay here. You've made me too comfortable. Don't leave now, it's not that hot."

"I'll be back. You can take this heat more than me right now. I want to fix my hair too, oil my scalp a little," she said.

He whined and pretended to throw a tantrum with his feet. She bent her head closer to his and kissed his forehead. Scooting off the couch, Yani headed for the treehouse and bee-lined to the bedroom where she rummaged through their belongings and pulled out a wig box. Inside was the red wig N'Jadaka loved. She shook the tresses and carried it into the restroom. Using a brush by the sink bowl, she smoothed the hair and fixed it on her head with a bit of hair sealant and a spritz of perfume on her body. She unfastened her bikini and pulled on a short silk bathing robe that rose above her thighs.

Staring at her face in the mirror, she added a little make-up and pink lip gloss. Debating about adding eyelashes, she eventually took the time to add some onto her top lid and made one final inspection of herself. Sexy, and she carried the aura of a different woman. That's what she wanted to be. Not the fretting mommy needing to check up on her kids. That woman could return when the children joined them in eleven days. She fixed the bit up lip gloss that ran over her lip line and decided to add one more detail before she left the treehouse. The bottle of lubricant on the open cupboard would help with what she needed to do.

After her preparations in the restroom, she returned to the outside where N'Jadaka rested with an arm over his eyes.

"Is this seat taken?" Yani said.

N'Jadaka lifted his arm and looked at her. The grin plastered on his lips thrilled her.

"My wife was planning to come back later," he said.

"Oh, well, I'll just find someplace else to sit."

"Nah, you can chill until she comes back. Long time no see, Toya."

Yani pushed back the hair on her shoulders.

"You don't mind if I sunbathe next you…nude, yeah?"

He patted the vacant seat next to his on the comfortable couch lounger. She took off the robe slowly and turned to place it on the end table next to the couch. Bending over further than she needed to, she allowed him to see the cherry-red anal plug heart she had inserted in the restroom. She crawled onto the couch knees first and settled in next to him, her toasted skin sparkly with mica chips from her coconut oil. He watched her recline and his gaze fell to her breasts.

"You sure this is okay?" she asked.

"Yeah."

Her right hand drifted to her vulva. Running her fingers gently around her clit, she kept her eyes on his face while he watched her hand play with her pussy. He reached over and played with her right breast, squeezing her nipple. They didn't speak. Yani dipped her fingers lower to open her labia. She made sure he saw that it glistened with her own arousal. The piercings they loved looked so pretty. Her inner labia fell open and the puffy engorgement made him groan. Yani stared at his swim trunks and the bulge there grew and stretched the material. She reached over and palmed it, feeling the girth inside harden under her touch. His fingers trailed down to her vulva and he bypassed her clit to finger her opening, her arousal making his digits sticky.

"Do you miss fucking me, kumkani?" she said, all breathy and low, as if she didn't want anyone else to hear them.

"Yesssss."

He moaned and slipped his trunks down, freeing his erection. The full mass of his dick had her sighing his royal title, exciting N'Jadaka more.

"Kumkani, I don't want to get you in trouble on your honeymoon. But I know you miss fucking me in the ass and stretching out my pussy."

She gripped his dick, squeezing it first to test how hard it was before sliding her hand up and down.

"I miss this big dick, kumkani. Let me make you happy."

"Shit…yes…keep squeezing it like that…"

He sat back and let her work her fingers around him. She nestled her index and thumb under the ridge of his tip and twisted it in tight half circles. It didn't take long for pre-cum to spill out. She stopped her movement to let him kick off his trunks all the way, and then continued pleasuring him. Her pussy was already acting up and the fullness of her anal plug hinted at the debauchery to come.

"Has your wife been good to you?"

N'Jadaka's lips were smooshed together; his focus lost on her hand getting slick from his pre-cum. His eyes became glassy and narrowed. She began to give his dick harder strokes up and down, loving the feel of her hand wetting up his shaft, making it sticky. Lowering her head, she darted the tip of her tongue in and out of his slit.

"Fuck!"

N'Jadaka's voiced carried over her head as it moved up and down, deep throating his dick. His right hand slid down her spine and around the curve of her ass to finger her pussy. He finger-fucked her, plowing his digits into her fast, wiggling them back and forth so he could hear how wet she was. She gasped when he spanked her hard. Rubbing on her backside, he moaned and thrust his hips up to shove his dick further into her throat. He pushed on her anal plug and fondled the shiny heart.

"Lemme stretch that pussy before my wife comes back," he whispered in her ear.

Yani obeyed, scrambling onto her knees and straddling his dick in reverse cowgirl. She wanted him to look at her anal plug in anticipation of stuffing his dick there in its place. Widening her thighs, she guided him inside her slippery entrance and the tightness in her ass doubled her pleasure with his dick stretching her out too.

"Kumkani, you feel so good in my tight little pussy," Yani huffed, meaning every word she said while looking over her shoulder at him.

N'Jadaka slapped her ass cheeks with a determined rhythm.

"Look at that ass…look at that big ass…tight pussy fucking me so good…grip that shit…yeah…grip it tighter…you a little grip monster on that thang girl…fuck…"

His words tumbled over each other and Yani bounced on his dick, flexing her back muscles to give him a view of the perfect arch.

"I missed your big dick, kumkani," Yani yelped.

"Ride that dick, baby…yes, ride it hard Toya…"

Yani twisted her hips from side to side so he could experience the pleasure of her cheeks bouncing as she moved. N'Jadaka kept smacking her ass and her backside grew hot and tingled with delicious pain. He rubbed both sides of her rump to give her skin a break from his slaps, but he continued again when she did slow winds all the way to the tip and back down. The slow motion dance on his dick had him shouting her name and cursing about how good it felt. Yani rose up again and leaned forward to let him watch her opening throb and grip the tip of his dick with syncopated squeezes that looked like sucking motions from her pussy. She practiced for weeks with her queen training on the erotic arts. Her instructor was a no-nonsense elder noblewoman who gave Yani silver balls of varying sizes to insert in her vagina and walk around with for hours using her pelvic floor muscles to grip them. Every time a ball fell out, she had to re-insert and try again or risk a scolding. Sex was a very serious matter in the royal lineage. Even N'Jadaka had to take lessons for his dick, tongue and fingers to please his new queen. Those tiresome lessons paid off as she made her man holler and grunt with pleasure. She gripped and released his tip in fast successive motions, twisting her body ever so slightly to change the angle. Her suction around the ridge was like the lure used to catch a big fish. Her husband gasped and clutched the cushion of the couch.

She dropped down on his length hard and used her walls to clench around the root of his dick while she fondled and squeezed his nutsack. He was literal putty in her hands only eliciting moans as she showed off her sex magic. Those queen lessons truly enhanced the natural gifts she already possessed, and helped her build up more stamina to handle the king. She did the ripple effect, using her walls to clench his dick in sections as she rose up and down slowly. Because he stretched her with his girth, N'Jadaka could watch her pussy lips kiss and pulse on every inch of his dick. She became more excited by the delicious feeling of fullness in her insides. His sounds of enjoyment rewarded her pussy with hot throbbing coming from his dick. Her perspiration increased from the furnace of his heavy body radiating so much heat.

The pressure of his dick tugging on her clit and the anal plug filling her up had Yani speaking in tongues. Her skin tingled all over and the heat from his blows to her ass cheeks created a perfect storm of pleasure for her that she couldn't hold onto anymore. Her pussy throbbed on a final thrust from him. A pulsing sensation raced up her spine and she trembled all over. Yani threw her head back and wailed out his name as her orgasm choked his dick and her own throat. Her voice echoed above the trees and shushed a few birds who had been chirping in the late afternoon sunlight.

When he couldn't take it anymore himself, N'Jadaka plucked the anal plug from her ass and pulled her down against him. Her back went into his chest and he spooned her for a few minutes, playing with her breasts and kissing her neck and shoulders before pushing his dick into her ass. She was ready for it, already keening and pulling her ass cheek to the side so he could watch his entry.

"Bitch I love it…I love when you let me fuck you in the ass…taking all this dick…"

His voice sounded bewildered and hungry for release. She gripped the cushion on the couch and held still, letting him pump wild thrusts into her.

"Just letting me fuck you like this…nasty little bitch…fucking the king's dick…I'm all up in there…fuck!"

"Your wife will be back soon," she said, urging him on to glory.

"Tryna rush me like I'm scared of being caught?"

"Aren't you, kumkani? The queen wouldn't be happy to see you fucking one of your secret women."

"I think she'd like watching me fuck you."

Yani gasped as he slowed down his thrusts and played with her breasts.

"I think her pussy would get wet watching this big ass dick stretching you…watching you cream all over me Toya…"

He stroked her clit, plucking at the piercing there. His breath warmed her earlobe and he nibbled on the outer shell of her ear.

"Or maybe you'd like to watch me fuck my wife like this. She takes dick so good in the ass."

"Yeah?"

Yani shuddered as her skin combusted with the fire of her lust listening to his words.

"My wife is the best. Before we were married…back when we were on an island together, she used to let me fuck her in the ass all the time. She has a nice big bubble. Niggas been after her for years and still want her. But she's mine and she lets me do anything I want to her. When I fuck her pussy, it weeps on my dick…"

Yani gasped. Listening to him talk about her in the third person was such a turn on. N'Jadaka had transformed into a trickster, changing the power dynamic of their encounter. She had come down from the treehouse to seduce and drive him crazy and he flipped it on her. He shifted their position, forcing her on her knees with her ass up and her head down. He kept a hand on the back of her neck and fucked her ass with slow hard thrusts. Each time he smacked against her rump, the slapping sound was loud and disrespectful to her ears.

"My wife is such a good girl. She knows to get on her knees without me asking so I can cum all over her pretty face. She'll lick up every drop of cum I give her. And she can take my dick so deep…lemme show you how I fuck her ass deep, Toya."

Yani began whimpering. The nerve endings in her ass were on high alert and her clit twitched.

"I took her to an opera in Zana and she let me fuck her ass right in the theater booth. She hiked her dress up and got on the floor and let me fuck her like that, even though there were nobles in the sections next to us. Feel it? Feel how I fucked her ass, Toya?"

"Yes!"

Yani cried out and she squirted on the couch. The sudden release heightened everything.

"I'm making you squirt, baby?"

The tone of his voice was so raspy that Yani's body squirted again, harder, making a complete mess on the couch.

"I'ma nut in you so deep. Let you have what my wife gets…yeah…feel all that? Your king is balls deep in that ass."

He pressed a hand on the arch of her back, and then gripped her hips with both hands.

"Taking it so good…that's a good girl…that's it…let your king fuck that ass…ooohhh….'bout to nut…fuck…here it comes…here it comes…shit…here it comes!"

He thrust hard once more and shot hot cum with curses flying from his mouth. Yani took it all and fell over in a satisfied lump when he finished. Her entire vulva throbbed and her clit still pulsed with anticipation.

He allowed her to rest a few minutes. She lifted from the couch and smoothed the hair on her wig. His dick was still hard.

"Come on," he said, lifting her up in his arms and cradling her against his chest.

"Where are we going?"

"Inside."

"But the queen…"

"She'll just have to deal with her man fucking his lover on their bed."

Yani held onto his neck tight. He bounded up the treehouse stairs and carried her into the bedroom.

"Wait here," he said.

She listened to him shuffle into the restroom and run water to clean his dick off. He returned and stroked his dick with fresh lubricant on it. Yani admired his body. He had always been a beautiful man. From the moment she first laid eyes on him, N'Jadaka was the finest chiseled specimen of man she had ever seen. The scars on his body actually enhanced his beauty and that man knew he was physical perfection just by the way he preened in front of her.

He lowered himself to the bedding and held her close to him.

"I will show you how I make love to her," he said.

He kissed her forehead with lips so soft that she forgot that he was her husband. The scent of his skin reminded her of honeysuckle blooming and she held onto his shoulders feeling safe in his arms. He rubbed his nose against hers making her smile.

"I love you," he said.

Yani pressed her lips against his and savored the softness. Oh how she fought to have this man! From the naysayers back home to the nobles who questioned her worthiness, Yani held onto her husband tight, feeling his heartbeat against her chest. Her tongue twisted around his and the joy in her heart thrummed throughout her body, raising the temperature on her skin and causing her pores to sweat even more. Their combined heat raised her arousal. He bit the side of her neck with those sharp slugs and Yani gasped, her eyes glued to the opening in the ceiling.

N'Jadaka penetrated her pussy with a quick motion in his hips and he marinated inside of her, keeping his kisses deep and wet inside her mouth. Her walls contracted when he pushed in further, accommodating him with intense slick heat.

He sucked in a breath when she squeezed around him tighter. His claw necklace dangled above her nose. She raised her legs up and held her thighs. N'Jadaka raised up on his hands and watched his dick go slowly in and out of her pussy. The focused concentration gave her joyful shivers. He loved looking at her body while he made love, and kept checking in with her by staring at her face. Swiveling his hips he slowed down his pumps and drops of sweat fell on her from his chest.

"Show me how much you love me," she begged.

N'Jadaka inhaled and then huffed out puffs of frantic air. The pussy clenching was getting to him. Yani absorbed the yearning he had to make her cum again while he stretched her out. Her clit was engorged and sat there fat and gorgeous like a precious jewel.

He was so big everywhere. His body. His dick. His personality. His legacy. His love.

Yani had shaped him and the world he conquered. No two people had ever wielded the power they did together all over the globe. His power over her body flowed out in hot waves across her tender skin. Her breasts bounced with his thrusts and his eyes darted down to watch. He loved every inch of her and she could see that clearly in those cunning brown eyes. She panted. He was too much. In the end of all their intimate encounters he was always too much. God, what a blessing.

He hit a spot inside of her that made her scream his name that became exaltations to heaven. N'Jadaka watched her face as she came on his dick and she felt him swell and spill inside of her. Looking down at their wet messy joining, his dick pulsed and so did his balls.

Yani let go of her thighs and let her orgasm cascade over any thoughts of anything outside of Ekuqaleni. All that mattered was them. Right there. Right now.

She gave herself permission to forget her children and the rest of the world.

N'Jadaka was all that she would live and breathe for in that moment. They were perfect and divine and meant to make love for a lifetime.

Attendants carried away the last of Yani's personal belongings she used in Ekuqaleni.

N'Jadaka conferred with their Dora Milaje and she took a final walk past the treehouse and into the forest. Their houseboat was ready for the next part of their honeymoon and all that was left was to give instructions to their personal staff and notify the palace that they were leaving within the hour.

"Don't go far," N'Jadaka called out.

"I won't," she said, waving at him.

She wandered past the large mineral pool and headed over to the mini waterfall that fed into the stream that attracted the best butterflies because of all the lovely flowers that beckoned with their nectar. The long wrap-around cornflower-blue dress she wore brushed past her ankles and a gentle breeze blew across her face. The coolness from the canopy gave her skin a break from the sun as she rounded a bend in the stream to get one last look at the mini waterfall.

In her peripheral, she caught sight of something dark and low to the ground. She pretended not to see the panther cub until two others popped out on her side next to it, all three watching her walk along the damp path of forest floor dirt in her sandals. Above the canopy she could hear and feel the vibration of the Royal Talon Fighter leaving Ekuqaleni.

"I'm going to ignore you because you aren't real and you won't harm me," she said out loud, throwing her voice over her shoulder at the cubs.

There was no sense looking at them, they would only disappear after a few minutes anyway. Whatever magic or spirits that lived in the forest would stay there. Yani was leaving in thirty minutes.

"Where are you?" N'Jadaka asked.

His image floated above her wrist. She stopped walking to catch her breath.

"Not far. I wanted to see the little waterfall and maybe collect some flowers before we leave," she said.

"Do that, then head on back. I'll wait for you at the firepit," he said.

She tapped her beads and his image winked out. Bending down to pluck the best flowers, one of the cubs brushed against her leg. She yelped and jumped back, not expecting it to be real flesh and blood at all. It purred loudly and rubbed against her ankles, its cute little tail flicking with agitation.

Should she pick it up?

Yani glanced around. The other two cubs sat on their haunches watching her…and waited.

What harm could befall her if she bent down to test if it were a solid thing?

N'Jadaka waited for her. All she had to do was walk away and leave with happy memories. They weren't real, just a trick of the mind. She decided to forgo touching and spun around to head back to her husband.

The cub jumped in front of her path and rubbed himself back and forth against both of her ankles. She felt the warmth from its chunky body. It opened its mouth and gave a weak kittenish yawp, showing its tiny baby teeth. Too cute. It stared up at her with cute eyes and cute whiskers.

Yani bent down and the first cub ran in front of her, looking back to see if she still locked eyes on it. It gave that pitiful baby panther cry again and the two other cubs ran toward them and ran around her in a circle, rubbing their little warm bodies against her ankles too. They jumped away when she tried to pet them, and ran in front of her a few feet, looking back to check her stance. She walked forward when they ambled back to her, but the closer she got, they ran ahead of her again and stopped. Yani got the message.

They wanted her to follow them.

Running ahead of her in the opposite direction she needed to go, Yani had a decision to make once more. Go with them or stay?

N'Jadaka knew where she was. If she sensed danger, she could scream and tap her beads, and he would come to her rescue within seconds with his enhanced speed. She could follow them and if they led her to someplace sketchy, she would put up the force field that was embedded in her beads to protect her until her husband arrived. Ekuqaleni never showed her any harm or made her feel unsafe. Panthers were the Udaku's animal guides. If she left without seeing where they went, the curiosity would get the better of her and ruin her honeymoon. She tapped her beads.

"N'Jadaka, I see the panther cubs again," she whispered into the beads.

"Stay where you are, I'll be there in a minute."

"They rubbed against my legs. They seem real."

"Do not touch them," he said.

"Okay. I'll wait here."

It would take him at least fifteen minutes to walk there.

The cubs ran ahead of her again, much further this time. They still looked back at her to make sure she had eyes on them.

Wait.

Yani tapped her foot and glanced over her shoulder. N'Jadaka was taking too long coming to her. The cubs padded further south. She took a few steps forward to keep them in her eyesight as they passed through some low fronds off the path she had taken.

"Hurry N'Jadaka," she muttered under her breath, not wanting to cause the cubs to disappear before he arrived. Although he couldn't see them, he could sense them, and it would be better to have him go with her on a wild goose chase. Or a panther chase.

She couldn't see them ahead of her anymore and took a chance following. Nothing in her gut felt weird and she wasn't afraid.

She quickly caught up to them and they began to run. They weren't as fast as her and she lifted the hem of her dress to keep from tripping on it. The shade around her seemed to grow darker the further she went and she brushed away low hanging branches, vines and brush to keep up.

Ahead of her was a clearing and she caught sight of the cubs running as fast as their little legs could carry them. She started laughing, feeling the air on her skin rush by, and the wonderful physical sensation of her leg muscles stretching in a good sprint. To her right was a part of the tributary that led to the main river of the Ibukun, and that shocked her because it meant that she had run further than she thought. Twenty miles.

Yani took in her surroundings and checked her kimoyos. There was no way she should've been able to run that far in under fifteen seconds.

"Yani, where are you?" N'Jadaka's voice broke her reverie.

"I'm here!" she said, looking at his floating image.

It winked out and Yani stared at the three panther cubs still running ahead of her. Several yards ahead of them, next to the riverbank sat three serene-looking River Tribe women on a rug in a circle. They're eyes were closed tight as if in a deep meditation session and they stood up the moment Yani appeared. They all wore lavender headwraps twisted in the style of their people. Two wore sleeveless long purple and turquoise dresses and the other had short sleeves on her pale turquoise long dress. The purple rug under their feet was five feet in diameter with white swirling lines and white dots that looked like tiny stars. A lit candle floated inside a bowl filled with water at the bottom of the carpet. The flame flickered and Yani noticed that sky was the color of lilac and amethysts and that could only occur there at sunset.

"Wait…wait…this can't be. It's still morning," Yani said.

The panther cubs ran directly toward the women and before Yani could reach them, each cub ran through the bottom of each woman's dress and vanished.

"Are you real?" Yani asked.

The woman in the white dress smiled.

"Yes Queen Yani, we are very real," she said.

"Were those panther cubs…?"

The woman in the white dress stepped forward but kept her feet on the rug.

"Our apologies, kumkanikazi. I am Jabulile. That is Khanyisile, and she is Nolwazi. We had to get your attention without upsetting the king. He gave an edict that no one was to disturb you on your honeymoon, so we were unable to come to you directly. Using avatars allowed us to get close to you. We had hoped to catch you alone and draw you out here to meet us without the king becoming angry."

"Why do you need to see me?"

"The oracle requests an audience with you."

"Oracle? What oracle?"

"Nolwandle…the mother of oceans. She received an urgent message from the other side and Mama Wati has given permission to let it pass through her. You must go to Nolwandle as soon as possible. But the king must not know about this or else Bast will find out," Khanyisile said.

Yani took a step back.

"If you are afraid of Bast finding out, then are you trying to do something bad behind her back?"

Nolwazi clasped her hands together in a beseeching motion, "Kumkanikazi, the Grandmother of us all must not know about this because she does not like messages about the future reaching human ears. There is order in all divine things coming to pass, but if humans know things ahead of that time, they may disrupt the pattern she has set forth."

"I want my husband with me. I don't go anywhere alone without him by my side."

Jabulile nodded with understanding, but her eyes pleaded for Yani to heed their words.

"You must see Nolwandle, within three days. She can only be a vessel for the message that long, or else it will cause her great bodily harm and mental distress. Today will be her first day. It will be to your detriment to ignore her call. A message like this has traveled through souls to get to you, my dear queen."

Yani gestured toward the sky.

"You could be tricking me," Yani said.

All three women shook their heads.

"It would be a sin for us to trick anyone," Jabulile said, "We do not mean to frighten you, but I beg you Queen Yani. Heed our words daughter. Go to Mama Wati's statue at the mouth of Warrior Falls, past the great Manta Ray monument. Look at her face at the first light of the morning and it will show you the path to the Oracle. If you do not receive this message, the Udaku bloodline will come into jeopardy, and so will the fate of our country."

Jabulile held out her hand. Her words startled Yani and she reached out to the woman. Jabulile clasped Yani's hand and pulled her onto the beautiful rug.

"Oh God!" Yani cried out.

Her body felt like it was rushing through a powerful vortex of pure light and loud sounds that rattled her eardrums. After a few seconds she saw the figure of a dark-skinned woman sitting crossed-legged with a crackling fire in front of her. The woman's eyes rose from the flickering flames and stared right through Yani.

"Come daughter…Mama Wati protects you here…come Black mermaid…I have a message for you…come quickly…"

Yani's body whipped back at an angle and it felt like she was about to do a backflip or split in half trying to do so.

"Easy kumkanikazi, you are here with us again," Jabulile said, still holding Yani's hands.

Yani stumbled back off of the rug. The women stepped off of it too, and Jabulile rolled it up.

"Find your way to her…your bloodline is in danger if you don't," Jabulile said. "Go to Mama Wati's statue. Let her show you the way."

The women lowered their heads to Yani and walked toward a canoe waiting for them halfway out of the water. The tucked the rug inside and each woman climbed inside quietly with Jabulile in the center. The other two women paddled them downriver.

Yani watched them and caught her breath.

"Yani!"

Yani whipped her head around toward N'Jadaka's voice and it was morning once more. She checked her kimoyo beads. It was the same time as when she had first spotted the panther cubs. Glancing around, she was back at the mini waterfall with flowers still clasped in her fingers.

Her husband smiled and walked toward her.

"Ready to leave?" he said.

He held out his hand and she threaded her fingers with his, her body trembling.

"You okay, Yani?"

"It's just a little chillier in the shade. That rainy weather must be on the way," she said.

"Don't matter, we'll be snuggled up and floating in blissful waters."

Yani walked out of Ekuqaleni trying to figure out a way to go to Warrior Falls sooner without raising any suspicions in her husband. The weight of something extraordinary depended on her carrying it in secrecy. That was something she promised N'Jadaka she would never have with him. Secrets.

"Onward, " he said, and Yani stayed by his side.

Chapter 10 HERE.

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[tarithenurse]

Inhuman

Fandom: MCU Pairing: Bucky x fem!reader, eventually Loki x fem!reader, Stucky, more (some canon, some not). Word count: 2223. Contents: Surprises and potentially new allies. A/N: Any questions are welcome. Please comment and like and reblog. Let me know if you want a tag.

Chapter 31

... Reader’s PoV ...

“So how did it go?” Steve’s stopped you on the way down to the training room.

There is not a lot for you to do except await orders. All the top dogs are getting their assets lined up, ready for the next move as soon as they get the green light.

“With?”

“Bucky. Was he fine with me not being there?” Big, concerned puppy-dog eyes are looking at you.

“Yeah, he was a bit confused of course, but he took it okay mostly.” You’re trying to keep the voice light and easygoing.

Like a cat, he pounces on the choice of words right away. “Mostly?”

“Well…yeah. He did break my ribs at some point…” Seeing the shock and horror flash in Cap’s eyes, you instantly regret having said it. “He said sorry and really, it was an accident and –”

A different voice distracts you both. “[Y/N]! Just a moment please.”

Coulson is waving to you from the other end of the hallway where he and T’Challa have come from one of the op-rooms. Needless to say, Okoye is hovering nearby.

Excusing yourself to Steve, you join the two men and start walking with them the way you’d come from as you exchange pleasantries before the leader of SHIELD gets down to business.

”I’ve got a special task for you and you have to leave right away. I’d rather have done it myself, though the idea does make me apprehensive, but it seems I’ve postponed it too long.”

”Not the best pitch talk…” Whatever it is can’t be really dangerous, because Coulson is smiling big now.

... ...

Whatever you do, don’t lie.

The words are echoing in your head despite the sound of the road and the engine. You’ve been driving for about three hours, passing north of New York, and if the information is correct, you should only be ten minutes away now. You’ve passed through a smaller town called Purdy’s or something like that and the road is following a lake where the last rays of the setting sun behind you is being amplified.

When Coulson told you a few hours ago what the mission was, you really thought he was kidding around. But no.

“When you get to the school, ask to speak with the headmaster. He is the leader of the place but also the representative that seem to be most open to helping humans.”

It hadn’t made much sense, at first. Then it dawned on you. This ‘school’ is the one you’ve read about in some of the files as the safe heaven for mutants. The kids are normally born with their powers, although they get stronger or develop around puberty. At the school, they are safe from a world that doesn’t understand or accept and they can learn to control their powers without risking the lives of others.

“Whatever you do, don’t lie to him. We think he might be a mind reader.”

“Like Wanda?”

“Stronger…or maybe different. We honestly don’t know.”

The grand plan is to ask them for help…or at the very least warn them about what has happened. Yet driving up the tree-lined lane towards the big mansion, you are painfully aware of how little you’ve got to go on. And you’ve gotten almost no instructions on what you can say.

Still…would it matter if the man is a mind-reader?

Coming to a halt near the front stairs, you feel tiny. From what you can see, the building should easily be able to house over a hundred people…and there is no indication of how much is stretching out behind across the fields.

In the dusk, you had been able to see a forest in the distance but because the lane leads straight up towards the Scottish castle-looking school, the building now blocks any view of the landscape behind.

Inside are various-sized figures of all shades of particles…all of them with a je-ne-sais-quoi that you never before realized you have seen previously. It’s similar to Inhumans way of swirling when you look at them with the eyes closed, but it’s also different. It makes you feel more normal, even though you own distinctive pattern isn’t quite like theirs.

There is no reason to postpone it any longer. Getting out of the car you take a deep breath before scaling the steps towards the big front door.

To you amazement and worry it swings open just as you lift a hand to grab the heavy bronze knocker. Of course, coincidences could have allowed someone to be on their way out, but that’s the ting: there is no one on the other side.

Bracing yourself, yet again, you step in and allow the door to close with a clonk behind you. The hall is grand. Wooden panels are lining the walls and soft plush carpets are covering most of the stone floor. High above is an impressive chandelier, that floods the room and the staircase at the other side with soft, shimmering light. A scent of food makes your stomach rumble. It’s coming from down the hallway on the left side of the stairs and that’s also where most people seem to be. 30 or so kids of all ages?

What is not revealed is where you should head towards to find the headmaster.

“Hello?”

There is movement right above you on the gallery that leads to or from the top of the stairs. Walking out into the middle of the hall, you can turn to look up at a woman with white hair that doesn’t seem to fit her age.

“Pardon the intrusion…” You have to turn with the woman as she walks around and then descends.

“I thought, I heard the door, but I assumed it was one of the student.” Her voice is kind, but her posture is guarded, ready to…to what?

“Ah, I’m afraid I’m a bit too old to claim that right.” Standing stock-still seems like a good idea until she’s had a chance to assess if you pose a threat. “I was hoping to speak with erm…Professor Xavier.”

“Have we met?” Her eyebrows that now are arching aren’t white, it’s just the hair on her head.

“Sorry. I’m…[Y/N]. We haven’t met...” Where the hell am I going with this.

Your hand is hovering in the air between the two of you for a fraction too long before she grabs it and shakes it briefly.

“I’m Storm. Welcome to the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning. I’m afraid you can’t meet the professor. You didn’t come here on your own accord though, so who send you?”

“Phil Coulson. He is the director of-”

“The director of SHIELD. What does he want from us?”

“Your help. Or at least to warn you. It’s a bit complicated really.”

Turning around, she heads back up the stairs and you decide it’s best to follow.

Upstairs, there is one way to go deeper into the mansion and the wooden panels on either side are interrupted with regular intervals by doors. Still, you’re showed into what seems like a mix between and office, a library, and a classroom.

Instead of normal desks and chairs for the student there are plushy armchairs and couches with a variety of coffee tables scattered in between. Underneath a spiralling metal staircase that the seats are facing is a blackboard featuring notes about Merleau-Ponty and Heidegger. Further into the room is a heavy desk placed strategically in front of the impressive windows.

“Please wait here.” The lithe woman leaves you standing alone in the room before you can object or accept.

There is a lot to take in, mostly the envy of not having a room like this yourself. Maybe less messy though. On every surface are books and scraps of paper. And there are plants and several boards of chess all apparently in progress. You can’t see where the spiral staircase leads to, but you know better than to investigate despite the curiosity. Instead, you take off the jacket and sit down on a low puff to close the eyes. The plants are waving lazily in deep auburn and purple colours.

Storm has been briefly out of range. Now she reappears downstairs, this time accompanied by a…an…a mutant. That’s most likely the politically correct way of describing him. He is humanoid, but the mutation has made him appear more like a beast than the man he is. He has a strong blue glow to him that extends into fuzzy mane and fur covering nearly all of his body. His face is warped into something that looks more like a lion’s. You are reminded of some American politician in the news back when you were a teenager.

It won’t be long before the two of them are here, they are only two doors down so as a polite way of showing what you can do, you go to open the door for the two mutants to enter sitting back down on the puff.

Just as nervous and unsure as you were on the drive up here, just as calm are you now while watching the blue fuzzball and the black and white woman approach. The worst that can happen is that they decline giving any help.

“Thank you for seeing me.”

His grip is strong and slightly fuzzy from the hairs on the back of his hand. Storm closes the door behind them before taking a seat in a couch.

“Hank McCoy or Beast and not at all.”

You were expecting someone else entirely. “I’m…I was asked to talk with Charles Xavier…”

“Unfortunately you are too late for that. He passed away several years ago. It’s Storm and I that try to keep the place running.”

“Sorry for your loss.” Well…then I have to talk with them instead...it’s not like Coulson to not be on top of the intel.

“I’ve seen you in the news coverage from San Francisco and I’ve been puzzled as to your skills. Tell me about yourself,” professor McCoy prompts.

Pulling up the trouser legs slightly, he sits down, and you have to admit that he is handsome in a way…clad in a three piece suit with matching tie and handkerchief poking up from the breast pocket. His eyes are yellow with slits as pupils like a cat’s, but they are kind and curious as opposed to the yellow glare of Vasiliev’s eyes.

“Alright. I’m [Y/N]. No code name as of yet. I used to just be a normal human being, a nurse. But then a part of my DNA was activated and I became something else.” You wonder how much he already knows.

“An Inhuman. Rather an unsettling name, some would say.” There is no blame in his voice, nothing to indicate that it is his opinion.

“Perhaps, but having a name for our kind brings a feeling of belonging. A name is just a name, but the people behind it is what gives it meaning.” Something you probably understand very well.

“Valid argument. Still, many Inhumans have joined SHIELD, if any organization at all…yet, you are affiliated with the Avengers too?”

“At SHIELD, I work in the infirmary mainly, and with the Avengers I’m still finding my role. After I’ve become what I am, I’ve found a way to use my skills…”

“What can you do?” Storm’s voice is like the lash of a whip.

“I can sense and manipulate living cells. To a greater extend in myself that in others.”

“You were healing people in San Francisco…that’s what you were doing. But you didn’t heal them completely?”

“Storm, many powers can have a drawback” the blue man says calmly. He must be a patient teacher.

“Indeed. Anytime I heal or change, I use a lot of energy. That day there were so many people wounded and dying and hurting. If I should have any hope of helping them all, then I had to triage carefully and only fix what was strictly necessary. All I could do was prevent death.”

“What do you mean by change?” McCoy’s voice is still kind but there is an edge to it, making you flinch.

“Change appearance. I can look like almost anyone, all I have to do is manipulate my own cells.”

The two of them are exchanging glances before McCoy turns to the envoy again. “So why have you been sent here?”

There is a lot to tell and for it to make a bit of sense, you start all the way back with the Infinity Stones and Thanos before jumping to the time where they first found out about Vasiliev and what he had done to Inhumans, then the explosion and all the atrocities that followed. It takes a while, but both mutants are patient listeners, only asking questions a few times.

“…and now with both Bruce and Thor missing things are looking pretty bad. I don’t know exactly what Coulson is hoping that you can do, but you have to be warned at least.”

The two exchange glances and Storm crosses her arms.

“We’ll need to discuss this among ourselves,” McCoy answers and you nod. “We have the kids to consider.”

“I understand.” You pull out Coulson’s business card and scribble your own number on to it too with a pen left behind presumably by a student. “Please...any questions or...contact us.”

[klecrone]

Some people enjoy consuming media. Others go a step further and show their love of characters and worlds by creating their own inspired work. This wonderful circle of creativity is why I've now written (and illustrated!) over 850k+ words of MCU fanfiction, and I wouldn't change a thing. ❤

Back when I started work on the latest chapter of my story, I remember deliberating what piece of art I might want to go along with it, and I eventually settled on the idea of trying to create an illustration of some of the contents of Barnes’s journal, including the entry we now realize features some added context.

This ended up being an interesting undertaking because I didn’t want to go too crazy with details on the cityscape since I knew I eventually wanted to try to apply filters and distressing to make it look like an old newspaper clipping. On the whole, I’m satisfied with how it turned out, and it’s complete with that mysterious figure Barnes drew in at some point, as well as that domed building far in the background and all sorts of scrawling, coded text. I wonder what all of it means…?

Chapter 93: "Feral Echoes" - (Read on Ao3) "Winter of the White Wolf" MCU FanFic

Title: Winter of the White Wolf Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Category: Gen (Friendship, Humor, Adventure, Angst, Found Family) Characters: James "Bucky" Barnes, Sam Wilson, Shuri, Steve Rogers, Ayo, Okoye, and more

Summary:

Picking up soon after the events of the Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and before Wakanda Forever, this story explores the bonds of friendship, the aftermath of betrayal, and includes a lively mix of banter, action, angst, and globe-trotting adventure, as well as a deep-dive into just what happened during Bucky's two years in Wakanda.

When news of a series of high-profile murders sparks international interest, Bucky and Sam find themselves undercover to investigate a lead that could place it as the work of an unknown assailant who might be a part of the “Big Four.”

While Bucky would prefer to believe that his time as the Winter Soldier is long behind him, strange dreams and the shadows of missing memories prompt him to realize that their elusive secrets may be the only thing standing between them and another HYDRA operation of unknown ends.

But to move forward, Bucky will need to navigate the complex question of where the Winter Soldier ends and the White Wolf begins…

[endless-oc-creations]

Been in an exploratory mood and started reading through all your marvel oc stuff… and now I would LOVE to hear more about Alexandra Rhodes!?!? I’m assuming she’s related to Rhodey (but don’t see a story attached anywhere yet :). Feel free to ramble whatever you want about her!

Hello!~ Thank you so much for your exploratory mood! I always enjoy that my oc master list makes people to wanna get to know my ocs more 👀

So I haven't talked about my girl Alex Rhodes yet so I'm excited you wanna know more about her!

I wanted to make a best friend and girlfriend for Riri Williams after falling in love with her character in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

I've always loved Rhodey too and wanted to give him a daughter.

So, I made Alexandra! With Riri being the Ironheart, essentially the "new Iron Man" in this new generation of the MCU I thought that Alex could be the new "War Machine" of their generation.

She goes to MIT, that's where she met and befriended Riri since they were roommates. They eventually become best friends and eventually girlfriends.

Alex also helps out Riri's 'business' as well so she was a bit taken aback and frightened when the Princess of Wakanda suddenly showed up at her and her girlfriend's dorm room. Then her girlfriend decided it would be smart to insult the General of the Dora Milaje, Okoye.

But I was thinking...Okoye would be like a 'teacher' to Alex like she becomes someone who Okoye begrudgingly likes and is fond of.

I'm kinda still working with that idea though based on how the movie ends so I would need to see more of Riri and what becomes of Okoye.

But! There! These were all the basics I thought about so far of my girl Alex! Thanks for asking about her!

[skylarstark4826]

She hated him. 

It was that simple. She hated the stupid smirk always on his face. She hated the sounds of his voice. She hated the clearly fake hammerhead shark skull he wore on his head. 

He was so arrogant. 

After all this time, he still spoke as if Talokan was heaven on earth and any surface dweller was scum on his ankle cuffs. 

Every other day she was subjected to his presence. She stood by him as Wakanda and Talokan worked out the fine kinks of their alliance. 

They trained together, sharing forms of combat. 

And all the while, Okoye was reserved and Attuma was…aloof. 

The only time they spoke was out of strict necessity. They rarely even exchanged pleasantries. He could be married to three wives with 11 kids for all Okoye knew of his personal life. 

She didn’t want to know. She didn’t even want to work with him. But he insisted on working only with Wakanda's best and Okoye was no longer in a position to disagree. 

So they spent a lot of time together. Attuma would attempt to engage Okoye in casual conversation but she often ignored him unless it pertained to their work. 

Attuma’s unperturbed. He knows he’ll break her eventually, that she’ll see his point of view. 

It’s why, after council meetings, he never fails to comment on the lack of efficiency in decision-making. 

“Things would move faster if you all just listened to your king instead of critiquing his methods.” 

As expected, Okoye does not respond. In her mind, she thinks that’s easy to say when your leader is also an immortal god. But logic doesn’t translate. 

After training, in which they decided to use each other’s weapons, Attuma remarks: “You’re a fine warrior for a surface dweller.” 

Okoye stiffens, then hates herself for showing any reaction to what he’s said. But she doesn’t reply, just rolls off the mats and out of the training room. In her heart, she knows she has nothing to prove to him but it grates at the core of her very being that he thinks her beneath him, to say she’s good “for a surface dweller” because she could never compare to a Talokanil like him. 

Attuma smirks at her retreating form. He surmises that she likes being complimented–she’s just too afraid to show it. He’s determined to break through her outer shell and he thinks he’s found the crack in her armor. 

It continues. 

After a stint in Talokan where Okoye spent every waking hour waiting to return to Wakanda, and avoiding Attuma’s increasingly desperate invitations for social interactions far more personal than Okoye’s inclined to partake in, Attuma remarks: “You’re a strong swimmer for a surface dweller.” 

Only the blessing of Bast keeps Okoye from drawing her weapon and beheading him. Instead, she rolls her eyes and utilizes the skill he’s “praised” her for by swimming far, far, away. 

When she’s rightfully incensed by another disastrous council meeting, Attuma fuels the flames by saying, “If only your people simply bowed to the whims of your ruler.” 

Luckily, Ayo overhears and addresses his insolence so Okoye doesn’t have to. He’s subjected to a lengthy lecture on surface politics and a discussion of the differences between a god-king and a human king. 

Okoye skirts her way right out of the conversation because she takes any opportunity to distance herself from him. She’d hate to admit it, but he’s gotten under her skin. If only he kept his mouth shut. 

She reaches her eruption point after one completely chaotic day. If something could have gone wrong, it did. And all the while, Okoye had to pretend everything was fine, all while knowing her temper was on a hair trigger. 

She tries to take some time for herself at lunch but of course, Attuma follows her. Even when he doesn’t have to be with her, he makes every effort to be in her presence. 

She’d rather spar with a dummy. There’s no blood when she beheads it. 

“You could spar with me instead? I always look forward to fighting Wakanda’s finest.” 

Okoye’s grip tightens around her spear. She wonders if Attuma knows he’s volunteering to be the center of all her rage. 

“Because I can stab and behead this thing all I want without causing an international uproar.” She doesn’t even look at him, just continues swinging her spear in combinations of strikes against the stuffed effigy. 

Secretly he's thrilled at the thought of being at the end of her rageful spear. "Wouldn't an opponent that fights back be more challenging? You've held your own against me before, don't tell me you're unwilling now."  

Okoye turns on him, swinging her spear as she does, cutting his chest as she turns. “Do you ever shut. The Fuck. UP?” She yells it. Her eyes catch up to her actions. She watches his blood dribble down his chest before the cut she inflicted heals right before her eyes. 

She knows she should stop this. Only it has just occurred to her that she could hurt him in a multitude of ways and he would still heal. So far, they’ve discovered exactly two ways to kill a Talokanil, and neither of them is on her mind now. 

She raises her spear and meets his eyes. “Why don’t you let your ax speak for you?” 

He unsheaths his ax, swinging at the tip of her spear. “You wouldn’t think I talked so much if you engaged in the conversations with me!” 

She’s jolted by his strike. She kicks herself into gear, parrying his every swing. “Why would I care to engage in the ramblings of a full of shit sea creature?”

“Full of shit?” He takes no offense to being called a sea creature. That’s what he is the same way she’s a land dweller. He uses the flat of his blade to smack her ribcage. 

“Ah!” she exclaims, enraged further. “Yes, full of shit.” She swings her spear in wide arcs, attempting to decrown him. “Just like that full of shit shark skull you wear on your head.” 

Attuma grabs her spear by the blade, ignoring the way it cuts into the palm of his hand. His glare looks like venom as he speaks. “You dare disrespect my tribe?” 

His voice is a low whisper and Okoye knows, without question, that she’s crossed the line. 

The right thing to do would be to back off--apologize because she meant no disrespect. But she’s tired of doing what’s right. She’s tired of biting her tongue. She’s tired of bottling this rage that’s been boiling inside her since the day they first met. 

“Sharks,” she says in the same low, venomous tone he used before. “Don’t have BONES!”

She twists her wrists in opposite directions, sending a bolt of electricity through the tip. Attuma yelps as he releases the weapon. He utters a blood-curdling roar and charges Okoye, discarding his weapon and knocking hers free as he grabs her waist and tackles her. 

He slams Okoye into the mat beneath them, knocking the air out of her lungs. “I’ve done nothing but compliment you and you repay me in disrespect?” 

Okoye laughs bitterly. “Compliments? You’ve done nothing but insult me and my people for months.” She knees him in the groin and elbows him in the chin. 

It doesn’t serve to discombobulate him because, in the next moment, he’s punching her square in the chin. She bites her lip and tastes blood. She hopes he draws more of it. 

“This is what you wanted, right? To prove you’re better than me for once and for all?” 

She flips them over, slamming him onto his back as she goes. It’s then that she feels it. The firm presence pressed into her abdomen as she rests atop him, legs straddling either side of his hips. 

“No,” he says, his voice taking on an airy lightness. “This isn’t what I wanted.”

 He rolls them again but keeps his hips in between her legs so that she has no doubts when he thrusts into her clothed center how he feels about her. With one hand he grabs her throat. Not so tightly that she couldn’t breathe, but tight enough to show her he could take away her air. 

“I wanted to get closer to the greatest warrior of Wakanda to prove my worthiness to be more than her adversary.” 

Okoye shivers, thoroughly confused and highly aroused. “Attuma…” She gasps. Her hands come up to his. 

“What is it, warrior?” His other hand grasps her ass. Her legs are still wrapped around his waist. “Never knew you to run for a fight. Are you running from this?” 

She shivers, shaking her head no. 

“Good,” he says. He pulls her spandex down her legs in one movement. She gasps but he ignores it. He rubs a finger along the crease of her primly trimmed pussy. “Would hate to find that this is the battle you back down from.” 

“Attuma,” her voice is hoarse now. 

“What’s the matter, warrior?” His finger flicks the nib of her clitoris. Her breath falters. She bucks into his hand, helpless to get the friction she desperately wants. 

Instead of giving her more, he rips the spandex the rest of the way down her hips and spreads her legs. He releases her throat so that he can feel her up through her top. 

“You fight me so well, warrior. Will you fight this, too?” He puts his palm against her glistening center, cupping her pussy. He massages her clit as he does so, drawing a moan from her. 

“You talk too much,” Okoye replies. She flips them again. “You could be using your mouth for much better things.” She climbs up his body until her ass is resting on his chest. She removes his mask and slips her pussy right onto his mouth making herself comfortable. 

Attuma brings his hands up to cup her ass and she arches backward, moaning out loud. She rocks onto his tongue as he eats her out. It's wordless pleasure. 

She curves her hips, thrusting across his tongue and nose again and again. Attuma flattens his tongue to further her pleasure, slipping it inside her every time she thrusts forward. 

After a moment, he holds her hips still atop his face, thrusting his tongue in and out of her as he massages her clit with his nose. 

“Fuck,” Okoye gasps, and then she’s orgasming on his lips. 

Afterward, she’s boneless and breathless. She doesn’t even react when Attuma shifts from underneath him and rolls her onto his back. 

He laughs at her. He kisses her clit one last time before sitting up and removing his loin cloth. He situates himself between her legs once more. He smacks his rock-hard dick against her wet pussy. 

“Isn’t this better than ignoring me?”

“I’m not yet convinced,” Okoye goads. 

Attuma makes a frustrated noise at the back of his throat. He positions himself and slides in to the hilt. Okoye screams. It’s like she’s being split in half. She pants beneath his ministrations as Attuma thrusts into her again and again. 

“We could have done this months ago had you just talked to me.” He says, bottoming out inside her. Instead of retreating, he circles his hips, rubbing against her g-spot and cervix in one move. 

She screams again. When he pulls out, he draws an aching breath from her lips. “Hate you!” 

“Hate me all you want, warrior. Your pleasure is still mine to dole out.” He thrusts back into her. “And for now, I want my name on your lips.” He fucks her fast and hard. 

He doesn’t let her catch her breath in between thrusts as he keeps going. Her moans bleed into each other until it’s one long, deep sound, emanating from the depths of her chest. 

When she comes, she has no more breath to breathe. It’s a silent cry of pleasure. He fucks her through it. He rings out every last drop of pleasure from her tense body. When she’s boneless beneath him again, he pulls out. He lets her catch her breath, watching her bask in the pleasure he’s given her. 

“Knew you’d enjoy this once you gave me a chance. Too bad you wanted to fight my advances.” 

“Shut the fuck up!” Okoye climbs on top of him and slides onto his dick. “What’s wrong with just being quiet?” 

She clasps her hands around his throat. She rocks her hips forward, lifting off him just a bit before settling onto his hips again. “We could have easily come to this point by working together as we have been. You can keep your false compliments to yourself.” 

“They weren’t false,” Attuma grunts out. He fucks up into her, rejecting the pace she’s set. “I meant everything I said.” 

“You said I was a fine warrior. For a surface dweller.” 

“That’s what you are.” 

Okoye huffs, sliding off him. She decides to finish him off with her mouth. She sucks him down, using her hand to cover the length of him that she can’t fit in her throat. 

He’s thick and heavy in her mouth. She sucks on the head while twisting the base and sliding up and down. She unravels him in mere minutes. His cum spills out against her lips and over her wrists as he came with little warning. She wasn’t expecting it. 

She strokes him through the rest of it before resting at his side. Somehow she’s just as breathless as he is having put in all the work to take his pleasure from him. 

When she finds her breath, she says: “I’m either a fine warrior or I’m not. It shouldn’t matter where I’m from or where I live. You undercut the compliment when you say I’m only good for where I come from.” 

He hums, considering. 

“Shark remnants are a blessing from the gods. A shark's life span is longer than most Talokanil and their remains are often brittle and rarely found intact. My helm has been passed down to the heads of my tribe for eight generations. We maintain it through ritual and maintenance. We harden it with the natural minerals of the sea. We have not been blessed by the gods in such a way in centuries.”

Okoye’s breath catches. “I’m sorry for what I said. I–didn’t mean to disrespect your tribe.” 

Attuma nods. 

“I did mean it when I said you were a fine warrior–You are a fine warrior. I’d love to be more than just that warrior you hate… if you’d allow me.” 

Okoye knows they shouldn’t do this again. 

She also knows that they absolutely will. 

She leans over to kiss his shoulder. “Hate you.” She whispers against his skin. 

He chuckles before leaning forward to take her lips in his. 

[dasphinxone]

Okoye x Attuma Arranged Marriage AU WIP

I guess since no one else is doing it, here goes my plotline to my WIP attempt at an Okoye x Attuma Arranged Marriage To Ally Their Kingdoms and Save Lives AU 😆

Instead of Okoye getting blasted off the bridge in Boston, she's also taken to Talokan with Shuri and Riri. Shuri sends Namor to the surface to meet with her mother, where Queen Ramonda plants a tracker on him. Nakia does still go to rescue them from Talokan via the tracker and her research in the Yucatan.

Except, since Okoye is down in Talokan too, she's able to knock out the handmaiden holding Shuri hostage rather than Nakia killing her to rescue them. Shuri presses one of her kimoyo beads to the handmaid's head, so she survives without injury. Okoye is still stripped by Queen Ramonda of being a general and a Dora Milaje for allowing Shuri to be taken. Shuri is pissed off because yeah, she volunteered to go to see Namor on her own. In fact, she ordered Okoye to stand down, ending her fight with Attuma and stopping Namora from tossing that water grenade at her.

So Shuri immediately announces in front of Ramonda and the visibly sympathetic tribal council that she's assigning Okoye as general of the Midnight Angels, who will be her personal bodyguard.

Ramonda says her daughter has no authority to do so. Surprisingly, M'Baku comes to Okoye's defense and points out there is nothing in their Tribal Council Constitution that states Shuri doesn't have that power. Besides, considering what happened to Shuri and that she's alive and whole, doesn't that mean there's no better person to protect their princess and only heir than Okoye?

Ramonda is pissed, Shuri is smug in her triumph and M'Baku lives to create drama. Ramonda still sends Okoye away out of her sight. Shuri loudly tells Okoye to meet her in the lab and then promptly bounces out of the meeting.

The two spend the next few days working together to speed up finishing the Midnight Angels suits since Namor and the Talokanil are a new threat. They bring in Aneka to help them review and test the suits' efficiency as well. Shuri also works on creating more sonic weapons since she witnessed how Nakia's sonic gun killed the Talokanil warrior at their rescue.

Namor loses a warrior bodyguard at Shuri's rescue but not a civilian handmaiden. So he's still pissed. But not quite "Fuck up your capital city and assassinate your queen" pissed. Instead and a few days later, he infiltrates Wakanda via one its main rivers. He takes some of the River Tribesmen hostage with Attuma, Namora and some other Talokanil warriors.

Nakia catches him (he has no idea it was her who rescued the three women). He demands an audience with Shuri or else he'll drown his hostages...and keep snatching River Tribe people every day to drown at sunrise and sunset. All while increasing the number killed by one per drowning.

After Nakia calls Shuri on her kimoyo beads, the Princess quickly arrives, accompanied by Aneka and Okoye in their new Midnight Angel suits. Attuma is startled to see Okoye again (her face is uncovered) but remains silent. Namora is on full alert and is definitely in "Fuck around and find out" mode. Aneka smirks at her but remains on guard.

Namor reiterates that he will drown River tribesmen if he is not escorted to the palace. Also, if his warriors don't hear from him by sunset (it's the early morning), he will direct them to drown and kill them. Out of options, Shuri escorts Namor, Attuma and Namora back to palace.

Ramonda is understandably livid. M'Baku is extremely wary but gleeful, pointing out Okoye was right about the "fish man." Especially that big, blue, balloon one. Attuma growls at him but M'Buka ain't concerned and hoots back.

Chaos nearly ensues until Okoye tells both of them to basically shut the fuck up. They're trying to avoid a fucking war here, by Bast!

Namor demands a more binding alliance between Wakanda and Talokan or else he will go to war. The tribal council and Ramonda are in uproar. It gets even worse when Namor recommends a marriage between himself and Shuri, which causes all hell to nearly break loose. Above them, the Dora Milaje go into battle defense mode with a pound of their spears.

Except Shuri actively looks like she's thinking about it. Ramonda bellows that an arranged marriage its absolutely off the table. It's archaic, mad disrespectful and for fuck's sake, Shuri is far too young. She doesn't even rule the kingdom yet.

Namor points out Shuri is heir. He also low-key threatens that he could conceivably make her queen right now. Shuri snaps that he's WAY outta line. Besides, how could she expect to grow to potentially marry him if he's actively threatening the last of her remaining family right now?!

Namor slyly responds that perhaps courting her would prove more constructive. Shuri points out he's still proposing this under duress.

"A binding marriage between one of my nobles and one of yours would prove less beneath your contempt then, princess?"

Okoye feels increasingly guilty since she blames her actions on the bridge forced Shuri to give herself up to Namor in the first place. She's also still reeling from being stripped her command and kicked out of the Dora Milaje. She thinks on the one time she chose a husband for herself, she picked that bitch-ass traitor in W'Kabi, so she has nothing else to lose.

She volunteers herself for a political marriage to one of the Talokanil.

Ramonda sneers that Okoye's been stripped of being a general for failing to protect her daughter in the first place. Okoye feels ashamed (but once she thinks about it later, she realizes this was Ramonda's attempt to save her from being forced into a marriage and leave Wakanda by trying to downplay her value).

Meanwhile, as soon as Ramonda tells Namor that Okoye is no longer a general, Shuri counters with the fact that Okoye is general of the Midnight Angels, her personal guard. Ramonda tries to deny it but Shuri presses forward. Namor responds that's excellent, as Okoye clearly has value. "And now, all we must do is decide who your great General will marry," he smugly says.

This is when Attuma declares that he will marry the Warrior. Namor is surprised while Namora hisses. Mostly to cover up her astonishment at Attuma's declaration. 'Cause holy shit, this whole thing is spinning out into some batshit crazy circumstances.

But Attuma points out that the Talokanil have a tradition of "What we cannot kill, we keep." And since he could not kill Okoye on the bridge?He has right of first refusal when it comes to marrying her.

Okoye is stunned, fuming and looks like she wants to rip out Attuma's gills. Hopefully finishing the job this time. Meanwhile, Namor immediately grants him the marriage. Namora is in stunned disbelief

After that, Namor sends word to his warriors holding some of the River Tribe hostage that he is safe. However, he won't have the river tribesmen released until the marriage contract is completed over the next three days.

Over the next three days, the marriage contract is ironed out by him, Shuri, Okoye and Attuma:

-Okoye and Attuma will get married in two different ceremonies. Namor demands the Talokanil ceremony take place first in precedence but Attuma asks Okoye what she wants. She icily insists the marriage first take place in Wakanda.

-The marriage must be consummated within a week of the second marriage ceremony in Talokan or it will be invalid and threaten the end to the treaty.

-They agree that Okoye will live with Attuma for three months at a time in Talokan and he will live with her three months at a time in Wakanda, alternating from there. Since Okoye will have the first wedding in Wakanda, she will be living her first three months with Attuma in Talokan.

Shuri pledges to design a new house for Okoye on the river that can accommodate Attuma. She will also work with the Talokanil scientists to create a home in one of the grottoes in Talokan that can accommodate Okoye since they cannot live separately. Otherwise, why marry?

-They do not have to have children, though it is heavily encouraged. Okoye reminds everyone she's in her early 40s, so yeah, not gonna happen and it's ultimately her choice. Not to mention, they have no fucking clue how human and Talokanil physiology work together.

Attuma points out that they may adopt younglings. Though if they do, it will have to be an equal number of Wakandan and Talokanil younglings to keep things fair.

-If they have a potential marriage ending disputes, they will have to bring it to a council of 2-3 Talokanil and Wakandan members. The nation who has the majority of council members changes every year. Once a dispute is voted on, it is law, unless extenuating circumstances require that the issue be revisited.

-Okoye and Attuma will train the other's forces. Tactics and weapons will be shared.

-This marriage will also open the way to cultural trade between Wakanda and Talokan.

-Any threat against either spouse will be taken as a threat against both nations and treated with equal importance and threat response.

-Attuma insists on properly courting Okoye during the first three months of her living with him in Talokan. Okoye hisses that it's pointless since they're already married. Attuma gets irritated and says that even though the marriage is political, he still needs to court her properly to fulfill Talokanil tradition. Okoye tries to get out of this, but Attuma won't budge.

It pisses off Okoye even more. She then points out that since he's so fond of courting, he can court her in both Talokanil and Wakandan traditions. Attuma shrugs and agrees. Okoye certainly wasn't expecting him to so quickly agree to her traditions, huh.

-The first marriage in Wakanda will take place at the next full moon, which is in just under three weeks.

All four of them sign the marriage contract. Ramonda won't sign it until the end of the first marriage ceremony in Wakanda.

Meanwhile, the U.S. and France most certainly HAVE NOT forgotten losing their ships and mercenaries to Wakanda in their efforts to gain vibranium. The African nation is absolutely still in their sights. And Valentina Fontaine sure in the hell never forgets a perceived insult...

And that's where we are with this crack-ass AU...Help, I HATE IT HERE 😂

[creamecafe]

Hey! Can we get a Shuri x F!Reader fic, where the reader is mildly superpowered and had moved to Wakanda per request of the Queen after T'challa's passing to allow Shuri to have one trusted friend with her and she stays with her throughout Shuri's grieving period and fights alongside her and her people out at sea, earning herself the title of 'Hero' in the eyes of the Wakandan's despite not being one of their own, and of course, she and Shuri fall in love with eachother but they dont confess until before Shuri drinks the contents of her artificial heart, and before she goes she tells the reader she loves her incase the plant sends her into cardiac arrest and she dosent get the chance to tell her? Sorry for the long request.

Your the Only Friend I Need

*Spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever if you haven't seen it yet. You have been warned*

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Navigation | Who I Write For | Shuri Udaku Playlist | Also on Wattpad!

Summary: What the request said (Until I can make up a good summary)

Pairing: Shuri Udaku x Fem!Reader with Super-Powers

Warnings: mutual pining, mentions of death, grief, depression, friends to lovers, and eventually fluff at the end. Also not double checked but I'll have to get to that soon.

a/n: @ackroxia this is an absolutely great idea of a request tysm! And DW about it being so long it's perfect!

The king is dead. T'Challa is dead. It was hard for you to accept the news that your close friend is gone. Especially thinking of how the Queen and his sister are feeling due to his death. You have been meaning to reach out to Shuri but didn't know when the right time was.

She was your best friend. Of course, the right thing to do is bring her comfort but didn't know how.

Your thoughts were disturbed as you hear a knock on your door and you go to approach to see who's there.

You look through the peephole and it was none other than the powerful female soldier group known, as the Dora Milaje. You open the door and allowed them in.

"Okoye and Ayo. It's nice to see you both. What brings you here?"

"Hello Y/N it's nice to see you too," Okoye smiled.

"We are here by the Queens' order" Ayo answered.

Oh no. The Queen. It could either mean something good or bad.

"The Queen. What does she need? How can I be a help of assistance?"

"She wants you to come to Wakanda in order of comfort for Shuri due to her state of the Kings death."

"Of course my condolences to the king. And how's Shuri?"

"Not so well. She spends much of her time in the lab. Rarely gets out to socialize or eat."

"I can imagine the death of her brother and how it affects her. They were really close."

"Indeed they were. We need you to come to Wakanda."

"Of course. I don't mind staying a couple of weeks there to comfort Shuri."

"No, I'm not talking about weeks. I mean permanently."

Permanently? Living in Wakanda permanently? It sounds like a dream because you have been to the country before to fight Thanos and how beautiful it is but to live there permanently never crossed your mind.

"Permanently? Like I stay there forever, leaving all my stuff here and my home?"

"I know it sounds like a lot. But Shuri could really use comfort."

You stopped and pondered a moment to think about the choice you would have to make. Shuri is your friend. It feels like a privilege you are chosen as a comfort to be by Shuri's side in an amazing country.

You took a deep breath in and sighed.

"I will go to Wakanda. For Shuri."

"We will help you bring your stuff."

You then started packing your stuff in order to leave your home and enter your new one, Wakanda. After you had everything packed and head off to the ship waiting outside, just practically calling your name, you looked back at your home and how much you will miss it. But then you remember this is for Shuri, a choice you made. You turn your head towards it and never looked back.

Now you were on the ship settled in and waiting for you to arrive at your destination.

-Time Skip-

You had now arrived at Wakanda and were now in the citadel guarded by more of the Dora Milaje. You walked to the meeting room and where the throne is. The doors opened and there stood the most powerful woman known, the Queen of Wakanda, hence her real name Ramonda.

"Queen." You bow down in respect towards her.

"Y/N. You are a friend to Wakanda and part of this family. There's no need to bow."

"I know but my parents always taught me to respect my elders." I smile at her and she does too

She goes to hug me and I reach in. Her hug was firm but also soft. Once you pulled out of the hug, she put her hands on your shoulders and slowly slide to your hands.

"I thank you for coming to Wakanda. I'm sorry for the short notice, but I just want my daughter to be alright."

"No it's ok I understand. My condolences to you and Shuri about the king, your son. First your husband and now your son. I can't imagine the pain you are going through."

"Well here in Wakanda, death is not the end." She smiled sweetly and cupped my face.

"You are a very strong woman Queen, I always admired that about you."

"You are very sweet Y/N, I always loved that about you."

Your heartbeat happily at her kindness.

"Come I'll let you see Shuri."

You nodded and followed her to Shuri's lab. You forgotten how big it was and how much you missed it.

You climb down the steps and see a whole bunch of technology around you and hologram screens. Then you saw her, Shuri.

"Shuri, I have a surprise for you."

"I don't think I'll be interested mama."

"Why you haven't even seen it yet? It's a special someone."

Shuri turns around rolling her eyes until she stops when she sees you. Her eyes widened.

"Y/N?"

"Hi Shuri," You smiled.

"Y/N, oh my god why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"Well um.."

"I had her come to my request. To comfort you."

"Wait you requested for her to come?"

"To stay with you permanently."

"What? No mama, no you can't do that to Y/N. She can't be here because you want her to, what about her family, her home?"

"Shuri it's ok. I wanted to come here. I chose to. For you."

"But..." Shuri sighed.

"You need someone by you and I will do that." I interrupted her and held her shoulder. "I don't care if I have to stay in Wakanda for the rest of my life. I just want you to be ok. That's what matters to me""

Shuri looked down. She felt guilty that you're willing to leave your home to stay in Wakanda with her. She never had someone be her first priority before, especially you.

"I appreciate it Y/N. Thank you so much "

"Now you see why I wanted her to come here Shuri" Ramonda smiled at Shuri.

"Yes mama" Shuri laughed and you smiled too.

"I'll let you two be," Ramonda said as she left the lab.

You both look as the Queen leaves the lab and then turn to each other and smile.

"Do you want me to show you your room?"

"Yeah of course."

You both laugh as you leave the lab to see your new room. When you both arrived it was beautiful. The windows were big enough to see over the city of Wakanda and the night sky with many stars. You were able to put your luggage in and soon be able to decorate it the way you want. You and Shuri just spend the rest of the day talking and hearing how she's doing with the passing of T'Challa.

The first night of Wakanda has been comforting and soothing. The guards had given you comfort clothing, clothing of their culture, and sandals. The food was just immaculate with the seasonings put into it.

When you first took a bit of the food, your eyes widened. Shuri taking a sight at this laughed.

"Is it good?"

"Good? Amazing! Why didn't I have some sooner?"

You both laugh and continue eating.

After eating, you went to take a nice steamy hot bath and just sighed at the calm and relaxing experience. After you were done, you put your pajamas on and were heading to bed. You went to Shuri's room and knocked on the door. Shuri went to the door and opened it. She smiled when she saw you.

"Hey Y/N"

"Hey, Shuri I just came to say goodnight."

"Well, goodnight to you. And thank you for choosing to stay in Wakanda. " She went and gave you a hug

"Or course," You embraced the hug. "Anything for you."

"I know you probably miss your home and family."

"I do but I can make this my home and find my new family here." You smile

Shuri smiled as well. She was lucky to have a friend devoted as you, especially moving to a whole new country.

"Thank you really. Have a goodnight."

"You too Shuri."

Shuri closes her bedroom door and you walk back to your room. You close the door behind you and go to the window. You take a look at the city with lights in buildings, majority dimmed and majority turned off. You felt fortunate that you would be seeing this view every night from now on.

You walk to your bed and settle in under the blankets. You look up at the ceiling and sighed with a smile on your face.

Maybe staying Wakanda for a long time wouldn't be so dreadful after all as you thought.

Let me know if you want to be tagged in part 2 and 3!

[fetusgooseandjuice]

Okay can you do a fanfic where reader gets hurt in battle and goes into a coma for a couple months and shuri is by readers side for all of it while running wakanda as getting revenge on the person who did this to reader. Reader does eventually wake up even though the doctors don't think reader will wake up and it's just fluff from there.

If you do end up doing this fanfic, thank you! And you are one of my favorite writers! 🤍

You’ll Always Have Me

Pairings: Shuri Udaku x fem!reader

Summary: After getting hurt in battle, Y/N falls into a coma. Doctors aren’t sure when or if she’ll wake up, but Shuri refuses to lose hope. No matter how long it takes, she’ll never leave her side. Except to make sure that the person who caused this won’t get away with it.

Word Count: 4,244

Warnings: Murder | Violence

Second Person POV:

Prior to any type mission or battle, you and Shuri like to bask in each others presence right before you leave. You feel safe while you soak up every ounce of affection and time together that you can before you run head first into danger. So, that's what you were doing right now.

Sitting in the private space of your bedroom, Shuri sat crisscrossed on the bed while you sat on her lap with your legs wrapped around her. Your eyes were closed as you rested your foreheads against each others, trying to feel as close as possible in the others arms.

A few hours ago, you found out about a planned attack on the town when the enemies somehow left some clues and let information slip. You guys were working on evacuating the city, but there was still a little ways to go. So with all hands on deck, you were going to get to the city before the attack was set to happen, hoping to stop them and get everyone else out of harms way.

The loudest noise in the room changed from silence to Griots voice when he quietly gave you the five minute warning, as Shuri requested.

"You have a total of five minutes until your departure, your highness." he whispered, attempting to not disrupt the silence too much.

This was the time when you and Shuri had your "pep talk". You would tell each other how much you loved the other, and things to reassure you while sharing small, innocent kisses.

Shuri took a deep breath, inhaling your warm vanilla scent before lowly speaking up, "I love you so much, darling. When we get back home, we'll get comfy and watch a movie. Then probably fall asleep 10 minutes in, yeah?" she said with a soft chuckle, pecking your lips.

You hummed, nodding in agreement, "I love you too, Shuri." you responded and she kissed you again.

"You know I worry about you a lot, so you'll know I always have eyes on you. If you need help or think something's wrong, let me, Nakia, or Okoye know. You can even go to Aneka or Ayo. I'll have your back. You’ll always have me, my love." she told you, making sure this information was embedded into your brain.

"I know, Shuri. I'll tell you if something's wrong. But you can always tell me if you need help, you know that right?" you reassured her.

She nodded her head with a smile, "I know, angel. I will."

She kissed your lips again, but more fully this time instead of a little peck. She wanted you to feel all the love she had for you in case things went downhill. But both of you have always come back to each other in one piece, so this time wouldn't be any different, right?

When Griot informed you that the five minutes was up, you and Shuri shared one last kiss before getting up and exiting the bedroom. You stopped by her lab first to make sure that you had everything, and that you weren't forget anything you would need. When you were sure you were ready, you made your way outside and boarded the Talon Fighter.

Sitting down next to Nakia, Shuri stood standing so that she could run the plan through her mind one more time before giving everyone their roles and jobs. When the aircaft took off, Shuri started to speak.

"We're a little behind on the evacuation, so I want Nakia and Y/N to focus on getting people out, and onto the aircrafts. I'm going to have everyone else, the Dora Milaje, with me to make sure these guys aren't successful with whatever their idiotic plan was. We'll adjust and adapt the plan as needed. Questions, comments, concerns?" she spoke, looking between you and Nakia when she mentioned your names.

Everyone either shook their heads or mumbled a "no" to answer her question. With confirmation that the plan of action was understood, Shuri took a seat next to you. You leaned your head on her shoulder, and she turned hers to kiss your forehead, wrapping her arm around you to hold you for whatever time was left in the short flight.

When Griot alerted Shuri of your arrival, everyone exited the aircraft and began to take their designated places. When it was your turn to walk outside, your girlfriend stopped you.

"Promise me you'll be safe, and tell me if you need help." she said, gently grabbing your hand to turn you around and face her.

"I'll be okay, Shuri. I promise." you reassured her, moving your hand to caress her jawline with your thumb.

She sighed before giving you a small smile, "Okay, princess. I'll see you out there or when this is all over."

You nodded, leaning up to give her kiss, having to slightly stand up on your tippy toes in order to reach her lips. When you broke the kiss you hesitantly pulled away from her, not wanting to leave her arms but also wanting to go help people.

She watched you walk out and fade out of her line of vision, "Don't worry, your highness. I'll be with her the whole time." Nakia stated, next in line to leave.

"If you need anything at all, tell me and I’ll drop whatever I'm doing to get to you guys." Shuri demanded.

"You know I will."  she said, jogging to catch up with you. Shuri waited for everyone else to exit before she enabled her mask and walked out, letting the doors of the aircraft close behind her.

~~~

Your POV:

"Okay ma'am, it'll just be a few minutes and you'll be out of here in no time." I kindly said, guiding an older woman to the line to get on one of the aircraft's that are transporting people.

We still had a little bit of time before they were planned to attack, and every second counted. I was in charge of evacuating the last two floors of the building near the river, while Nakia had the smaller houses.

I quickly made my way back to the floor I was working on, continuing to guide groups of people to whatever aircraft's were available. I cleared one floor and started jogging back to my last floor when I heard the commotion of the first shots being fired. I saw smoke rising into the air that followed sounds of explosions.

Seeing this motivated me to start moving quicker, practically sprinting up the stairs to evacuate my last group of people. I reached them and led them back down the stairs, reassuring them that everything will be fine, and also answering whatever questions they had to the best of my ability while trying to keep them calm.

I made sure that everyone got on safety before pressing the button to close the door. I told Griot not to let the aircraft take off until I did one last sweep of the building, starting at the bottom floor and working up.

When I got to the top floor and was certain that the building was empty, I began making my way outside when I heard a rumble, and the floor shook under my feet. I could see the ceiling start to crack, dust falling.

I knew I had to get out right at that moment, but I was stunned when the sound of an explosion rang through my ears, followed by the heat of the blast.

The power of the explosion was so strong and close to me that it pushed me back into the already cracked window that was behind me. When my back made contact with the glass, it broke, and I fell through. I didn't fall far though because I managed to grab onto a ledge on the building, hanging on and keeping myself from falling the two stories of the tall structure.

"Y/N!" I briefly heard Nakia yell from below me, but it was hard to focus on anything except hanging on, and the pain in my back from the glass.

"Y/N, hold on I'm coming!" I heard a different voice say. The words went in one ear and out the other as I tried to get a better grip and pull myself up, but I couldn't get leverage on anything.

My whole world stopped when another explosion shook the building, and this time it came collapsing down, and I plummeted into the water below me. I tried to swim up, but I was already in pain and pieces of the building fell into the water, hitting me and pushing me down further. It wasn't until one piece of rubble hit me in the head that I passed out, continuing to sink.

~~~

Shuri's POV:

"Aneka, watch your six!" I called out, warning her of an approaching enemy.

My focus went back to the three on one fight that I was in when something caught my eye. Although it was a little far away, I knew that Y/N was in that direction since I always had eyes on her and info on locations. I saw an explosion crumble a building, and my vision focused in on the figure barely hanging onto the side of it.

"Griot, what's happening over there?" I quickly asked the A.I through my kimoyo beads.

"It seems that the building you are looking at has been damaged by an explosion, and another explosion is predicted. The person you are looking is unfortunately Miss Y/L/N." he informed me, and my instantly heart dropped.

"Y/N." I whispered to myself, completely disregarding the people I was previously fighting, and making a b-line straight for Y/N.

"Shuri, we have a problem." I heard Nakia speak through my kimoyo beads.

"I know, I'm already on my way." I quickly responded.

I was only a few yards away from reaching the bottom of the building, "Y/N, hold on I'm coming!" I yelled, but it was too late when another explosion shook the building, and she went falling into the river below her.

That river is not something you want to get stuck in. It's currents are very rough for it only being a river, and watching the rubble fall into the water after her made a wave of anxiety wash over me.

So that's why as soon as I reached the edge of the water, I jumped in after her. It was hard to see, but I managed to catch a glimpse of her hand before she sank further down. I swam towards her, learning that she was unconscious when I saw that she wasn't moving. When I reached her, I held her limp body with one arm as I used the other to swim to the surface, gasping for air when I did.

"Nakia, help me!" I shouted while disabling my mask, desperate to get Y/N out of the water.

She quickly made her way over to the edge of the river, and I swam towards her, handing Y/N off to her so that she could pull her up while I pulled myself out of the water.

While I frantically tried to pull myself up, Nakia checked on Y/N. Putting her ear close to her mouth and nose to see if she was breathing, and then confirming her results by checking the pulse in her neck.

When she put two fingers on the side of her neck, I panicked, "W-what's wrong? Is she not breathing?"

When Nakia found no pulse, she immediately started CPR. At this point, Okoye had finally caught up to me. She had followed me when she saw me sprint off in the direction that Y/N was known to be in.

I watched Nakia rhythmically press on Y/N's chest, trying to get her to breath. I started crying, attempting to take over the CPR, but Okoye just held me back knowing that I would do a sloppy job of it considering my now hysterical state.

"Y/N!" I cried out. There was no way that the love of my life was about to leave me same way my mother did. I already lost her, my dad, and my brother.

Y/N was all I had left.

Okoye struggled to contain me as I fought her grip, practically sobbing for Y/N to come back to me. And my pleads had miraculously come true when Y/N began to cough up water, gasping for air. Nakia turned her onto her side to help her get the water out of her lungs, but she wasn't conscious for long because after she was done coughing, she passed out again. But, I could still see the rise and fall of her chest which was a good sign.

"We've got to get her back to the palace." Nakia said, picking up Y/N and starting to make her way to the Talon Fighter.

"Can I carry her?" I asked, wiping the tears off my face to try and show that I was capable of it now.

"It's okay, Shuri. Nakia's got her. Let's just get her back to the palace so that the doctors there can care for her, okay?" Okoye comforted me and I nodded my head, briskly following Nakia to the aircraft.

When we were boarded, she handed Y/N off to me, letting me hold her in my arms until we got back home. Her body was so limp, and cold. I got Griot to check her vitals, and they were stable for now. The ride home was short, but it felt like days. When we landed, I carried Y/N inside and to the lab, placing her on a stretcher and demanding that our top doctors care for her now, which they did.

I was hovering over them the whole time, and I got concerned when they stopped talking aloud and staring whispering to each other.

"What?" I worriedly questioned, but they didn't answer.

"I swear if one of you doesn't tell me what is going on with my girlfriend right now, I will ensure that the light coming from the ceiling is the last light that makes itself known to your vision." I spoke sternly, and they immediately turned to face me.

One of them spoke up with a sigh, "Although her vitals are stable, due to the lack of oxygen that her body received, and the blunt force trauma to her head, she has fallen into a coma. We are not sure when or if she'll wake up." they quietly whispered the last sentence.

I scoffed in disbelief, "No." was all I could say.

"No. You're joking, right? That is the love of my life laying there, and you mean to tell me that you don't think she'll wake up?" I said, speechless. All they could do was nod their heads.

"Get out." I muttered.

"Shuri-" Okoye started, but I cut her off.

"Get out!" I raised my voice, feeling frustrated and devastated.

They listened to me, knowing that I needed time to process what was just said to me. When the lab was empty, I walked over to Y/N and picked her up to move her to an actual bed instead of the stretcher. I laid her down and pulled a chair beside the bed, sitting down. Tears started streaming down my face again and I grabbed her limp hand in mine. I held onto it tightly, bringing it up to my lips to kiss her hand.

"Baby girl, you can leave me now." I whispered to her.

"The time I've gotten to spend with you isn't enough. It'll never be enough. We're supposed to spend our entire lives together, I was ready to marry you. You can't leave before I get to put a ring on your finger." I spoke to her through my tears.

When all I got was silence in return, I broke down, sobbing into the sheets on the bed.

~~~

34 Days Later

It's been a little over a month since I saw Y/N's bright eyes looking back at me, and I've gone to sit with her every single day.

I'd read her some of her favorite books, turn on a movie she likes, or just talk to her. During the time she's been in the coma, I went over the footage that the camera in my suit recorded the day of the incident. I managed to find the identity of the person who attacked the building she was in, and I've been tracking their every move since.

I have everything I need to make sure they get what they deserve, but Y/N has always been my top priority. So, I've focused on making sure she knows that I'm still with her, even though she's just asleep.

"I stand and hold out my hand. She gives me a skeptical look, but takes it and lets me pull her to her feet." I read from her favorite book.

I went to read the next line, but hesitated for some reason, turning my head to look at her. It felt so strange reading her favorite book to her without her little comments and kisses to interrupt me. This whole situation felt like my worst nightmare came true. We knew the attack was going to happen, and she still somehow ended up in this hospital bed.

I could've saved her if I had been just a little bit faster. But since I couldn't, I was going to make sure the person who hurt her never did anything with their life ever again.

I put the book on the bedside table for later, and leaned down to kiss her forehead, "I'll be back later, pretty girl." I whispered to her before standing up and walking out of the room.

"Griot, tell Okoye and Nakia to come to my lab right now." I told the A.I.

"Right away, your highness." he responded, and a couple minutes later, Okoye and Nakia appeared in my lab.

"You requested to see us?" Okoye questioned.

"Yes, I want you and Nakia to suit up. We're going after the person who collapsed that building and hurt Y/N.

~~~

As there aircraft landed outside of a remote building, I went over the plan one last time.

"We're looking for them," I showed a picture of who we came here to find.

"If you get to them before me, let me know and just keep them restrained until I get there. I want to deal with them myself." I said.

"Yes, your highness." Nakia responded while Okoye nodded her head. We exited the aircraft and swiftly made our way inside.

Going our separate ways, I could hear the commotion of Nakia and Okoye taking out whoever they saw. I did the same, not using all of my strength on them because I was saving that for the person responsible for Y/N's coma.

"Nakia, Okoye, my part of the building is clear. They're near one of you." I spoke using my kimoyo beads after checking the last room.

"I've got them. Griot, direct Shuri to me." Okoye responded, and I followed the A.I's directions.

When I entered the room, I saw the person we were looking for tied up with what seemed to be an extension cord, and Okoye holding them still.

"Thanks, Okoye. Can you wait outside for me, please?" I asked and she stepped out of the room.

I sighed, "Do you know who I am?" I questioned.

"Yeah, you're the new queen of Wakanda." they answered.

"And do you know why I was looking for you?" I asked, stalking around the room.

"Is this because of how we ambushed your country?Listen, it wasn't my idea. I was just doing what I was told to do." they quickly tried to explain themselves, but I wasn't having any of it.

"Partially. Not only did you and your people attack my country, but it was you specifically who exploded one of our buildings." I said.

"I-" they started, but I cut them off.

"Don't try to explain yourself. You are the very reason why someone so dear, and special to me is in a coma that no one knows if she'll come out of. You hurt the love of my life, and now you have to deal with me." I spoke sternly, and close to their face.

I turned my back to walk around the room again, but I sensed motion behind me and my instincts told me to duck, so I did, barely avoiding a swing to my head.

Turning around, I realized they had somehow managed to get out of the restraints. It made me angry how they thought they could hurt Y/N and get away with it.

But now I finally had the opportunity to avenge her, and I was going to do exactly that. Striking them whenever I got the chance, and dodging their attacks as well. I kicked them in the stomach which knocked the wind out of them and caused them to hit the ground.

I let my claws show, stalking towards them and gripping the collar of their shirt, digging the nails into their side.

"I really shouldn't kill you, but it wouldn't be fair if you got to live and my darling girl didn't. I would say it's nothing personal, but it is." were the last words I spoke to them before letting go of their shirt and digging my other set of claws into their neck until they stopped struggling.

I stepped back and thought about what to do with them now. I just decided to leave them there, thinking that they didn't deserve my effort to move them.

I walked out of the room, "I'm done now. Let's head home now, I want to get back to Y/N." I said and Okoye and Nakia followed me.

~~~

When we got back to the palace, I took a quick shower and changed before going to sit with Y/N. I decided to turn on her favorite movie this time and watch it until I fell asleep.

A few hours later, my eyes were focused on the tv until her hand twitched in mine. My head snapped over to look her, seeing her eyes still closed.

"Y/N?" I whispered, but got no sound or movement in return.

"Y/N, I felt your hand move. Can you do it again for me, sweet girl?" I pleaded, standing up.

I chuckled in shock when she moved her hand again, "Oh my god. I see you, darling. I know you're trying to wake up. Can you open your eyes for me?"

Her other hand moved and she made some small noises, "Come on, princess. Let me see those beautiful eyes of yours. Please?" I leaned down to stroke the back of my hand over her cheek.

A few seconds later, her eyes slightly opened, but quickly shut due to the lightning.

"Griot, dim the lights." I quickly demanded. When the light dimmed, she finally opened her eyes.

There were small tears running down my face, "There you are, my love. Hi," my words quivered from the overwhelming happiness I felt.

"Shuri?" was all she could mumble.

"Yes, darling. It's me, I've got you. You're okay." I reassured her, kissing her forehead.

Her eyes scanned the room before looking at me, "What happened to me?" she questioned and I looked down.

I sighed, "What's the last thing you remember?"

She thought for a moment before speaking, "I was making sure I evacuated all the floors. Did I get everyone out?" she asked.

I chuckled, admiring how she was worried about everyone but herself, "Yes, baby girl. You got everyone out."

She nodded her head, "So why am I here?"

"I guess when you went back up to double check, the building you were in was attacked. It exploded and collapsed, you fell into the river, unconscious. I got you out, and Nakia did CPR."

"How long have I been asleep for?" she questioned.

I thought for a moment, "34 days." I responded.

I could tell she didn't really know what to say or think about that, so I spoke up for her, "The doctors didn't think you'd wake up, but here you are. My strong princess." I said and she smiled.

"I know it's going to be a long recovery, but I'll never leave your side. You'll always have me." I comforted her.

"I'm tired." she muttered.

I lightly chucked, "I know, angel. Rest is crucial for recovery, so sleep all you want." I told her.

"Can you lay with me?" she quietly asked.

"Of course I can. You don't have to move though, I'll make use of the space there is." I climbed into bed with her and let her snuggle up to me however she wanted to.

I moved my hand under her shirt to rub her bare back, knowing that skin to skin contact comforts her.

"I love you." I whispered to her.

"I love you too, Shuri." she said before falling asleep.

Her head fell onto my shoulder, and I knew that my arm would eventually go numb, but I didn't care.

All I cared about was that my girl was okay, and now I'll have the chance to hopefully make her my wife like i've always wanted to.

[writingintheshadowsforever]

Shuri x Reader Rest

You opened the front door to find Shuri standing there with her hand raised ready to knock. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the sight. You were just about to make your way to the grassy field surrounded by the tall trees of the jungles. It was her and yours secret hideout that no one else knew about.

"Hey is something wrong?" You asked her looking over shoulder to see if she had any of the Dora Milaje with her.

She simply shook her head running a hand through her hair.

"Are we not-" Your question was cut short when her lips crashed into yours in a feverish kiss. Her hands found your waist as she backed you into the house. Shuri kicked the door shut with her foot but still managed to keep her lips attached to yours.

Your arms wrapped her neck in response pulling her closer as she swung your body around. So she could press you up against the wall, your mind was still swimming with questions. But you couldn't focus on them long enough as Shuri kissed you with a desperation. You hadn't felt from her in a long time. The last time she kissed like this was not too long after Queen Ramonda died.

"I need you to feel something real and alive right now please sthandwa" Shuri pleaded. When you tried to pull away insisting that now wasn't the time for such a thing.

You gave in.

The worry inside of you grew more and more by the second as your lungs started to beg for air. Just when you thought you were going to have to push her away. Shuri finally broke the kiss pressing her forehead to yours with her eyes closed. "I'm sorry I just really needed that it's been a long day" she whispered. Her voice a bit winded from the kiss.

"Its okay" You reassured.

The two of you stayed like that rooted in that spot for a few more minutes. But eventually you brought up your original question again. "Are we not going too the fields today?"

Shuri shook her head. "No I don't feel like making the hike I just want to stay here with you. We can lie in your bed and cuddle for a bit yeah?"

You were caught off guard with the sudden change in plans. While it wasn't unusual for Shuri to switch up on locations every now and then. Especially when she discovered a new spot with a breathtaking view. Wakanda was filled with so many hidden gems the two of you would never run out of secret meetup locations. But never had she suggested that you and her just stay here in your home. That you shared with your older sister Okoye.

Who had no idea that the two of you were dating, and had started seeing each other about six months ago. The only person who knew of your relationship with Shuri was her mother, and it was because neither of you had the heart to lie to her. Of course Queen Ramonda took notice of the drastic change in her daughter's mood and habits. Whenever she went down to the lab to pull Shuri away from her work. The Princess would already be gone, and was nowhere to be found in the palace.

Shuri would try too sneak back in during the early morning hours, but her mother was an early riser. The Queen let her daughter believe that her secret escapades went unnoticed. Until finally her curiosity got the better of her and she asked Shuri at breakfast who exactly had managed to put a smile back on her face.

Queen Ramonda was happy the two of you were able to love each other, and find happiness after the tragic passing of T'Challa. She was worried that Shuri wouldn't be capable of being happy again after his death. She became a shell of a person, and barely left her lab. Until you came along and challenged her to get out and enjoy the beauty that the world still had to offer.

"What about Okoye? You asked with a raised eyebrow. Your older sister was no longer a Dora, but instead had been given a new position. One that took some convincing for her to commit too, but was just as important. She was the leader of the Midnight Angels, and the job came with one huge perk. Okoye was no longer kept at the palace all day and night. She actually got done with her military duties at a decent time on most days, and would return home during evening hours.

"We got a couple of hours I gave her a few more tasks than normal today. She'll be busy till nightfall" Shuri told you.

"Hey is everything okay?" You didn't mean to ask so many questions, but her behavior had you a little more than worried, and now that you really had a chance to look at her. You could see just how tired and defeated she looked. There bags under her eyes letting you know that she wasn't getting that much rest. And honestly while it didn't surprise you considering all of the added on responsibility she had to deal with. Since becoming the Black Panther, trying to truly grieve her mother's death, and help rebuild Wakanda's army. When M'Baku offered to take the throne in her place until Shuri was ready was truly a blessing in disguise. You didn't think she could handle the pressure right now, but of course you weren't going to tell her that outright.

"I'm just tired that's all and I don't want to sleep in the palace. Someone always seems to need something, and even though M'Baku is king. The Council stills finds a reason to bother me on a daily basis. I just need you right now okay please" Shuri said. Her voice got lower and lower as she talked till it was nothing but a whisper. The softness coupled with the pleading tone made her even more vulnerable.

It broke your heart to see your love in such a state so without another word. You took Shuri by the hand and led her down the hallway to your decent size bedroom. The Princess had only been in your room a few times, but it still looked the same. The walls were painted in a warm brown color with a few art pieces hung up. The king size bed was positioned in the center of the room with the window right above it. The reddish brown curtains with swirling patterns on it keep the sunlight out.

Shuri wasted no time in getting more comfortable. Taking her t-shirt and black joggers off leaving her in a sports bra, and workout shorts. Under normal circumstances you would've taken the opportunity to truly appreciated her lean and fit form. The muscles in her arm and her abs were more defined than ever thanks to her constant training with Okoye, and Ayo.

But at this very moment her rest was your only concern. You followed suit changing into pajama pants, and a tank top. The perfect outfit for a long cuddle session which was probably going to turn into a nap. Shuri sat on the bed patiently waiting for you to join her laying on your back. Allowing her to snuggled up to your body and rest her head on your chest. You brought one arm down to wrap it around her body in lazy grip, while your other arm stayed behind your head. You leaned to press a quick kiss to her forehead as Shuri let out a soft hum.

Time drifted by as the two of you just laid there holding each other. You managed to stay conscious longer than Shuri did. She wasn't lying when she said she was tired. It only took about five minutes before her soft snores started to fill the air. You glanced down to see her face relax and worry free as she slept. Shuri never looked so peaceful as she did right now, and you decided that from here on out. This would become a weekly thing no matter the risk of Okoye finding out.

But what you and her failed to realize was neither of you had remembered to set an alarm. Before the cuddle session started you didn't remember falling asleep, but not too long after Shuri went under. You followed her lulled by the sound of her soft snores filled with the breeze of cold air coming from the vents. Hours later when nightfall finally arrived both of were so gone. The sound of the front door opening and slamming shut didn't make either of you stir even a little bit.

Okoye called out your name as she always did when she got home to make sure you were home and safe. Usually if you were going to be out this late, or was planning to crash elsewhere. You made sure to leave a note on the small table set by the door. There was no note so she knew you were home.

A small bit of worry struck her when you didn't reply to her right away. It was a bit early for you to be asleep already you tended to night owl. Okoye made her way to to your bedroom keeping her pace steady but quiet. Your bedroom door was ajar, so she pushed it all the way open. The sight that welcomed her had her entire body freezing up in shock as she let out a little gasp herself. But the shock left just as quickly as it arrived. Her eyes softened as Okoye shook her head with a light chuckle. She knew you had been dating someone, but she never would've guessed it was Shuri.

The Princess let out a little mumble as one of her hands started patting the spacious bed. Okoye assumed she was unconsciously searching for a duvet considering how chilly it was in your room. She tiptoed into your room and retrieved the giant cover from the bottom of the bed, and pulled it up and over both of yours and Shuri's bodies. Shuri hummed in satisfaction and nuzzled her head into the crook of your neck.

Okoye planted a small kiss on your forehead which seemed to do the trick. Your eyes fluttered open at the feel of her lips, and you caught a brief glimpse of her face. But you were so out of it all you could do was mumbled her name.

"Shhhh sleep usisi omncinci we can talk in the morning" Okoye whispered caressing your cheek.

You mumbled something unintelligible before going back under a deep sleep.

With a soft smile on her face Okoye exited your room closing the door behind her.

[b4rbi3l4nd]

SOS — keep it on lowski

Okay real talk, this is my first tumblr fic and I like it..so far, so i might make this a series LMAO. But catch me on wattpad, i have a series on there that I plan on continuing

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐋

summary: you broke up with shuri a few years ago and left wakanda for good until namor. now that he's killed the queen and multiple wakandan civilians, he's seen as a great threat and as former second in command at shuri's lab and wakanda's loyal warrior it is your duty to return and fight for your country. but a certain somebody makes the mission way too hard to deal with.

genre: minor angst, slow, slow, slow burn

pairing: shuri x black fem reader

episode warnings: suggestive scenes

proofread?: no but if there are errors then it's grammarly's fault.

word count: girl idfk

inspirations: 'SOS' — SZA

song: 'Low' — SZA

send your thoughts and requests

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"Whatever you want, don't call me." you said as you threw your kimoyo beads and your engagement ring on the ground before stomping it and breaking it under your heels.

Blinking back tears, you pushed her off you as you turned around and left the lab, slamming the door behind you. Her cries echoed through the room as you picked up your suitcase as you left the palace and wakanda for good.

That was more than 4 years ago. To think you were happy. Marrying into the royal family, a strong bond with both T'Challa and Queen Ramonda but especially the love of your life, Shuri.

You guys have known each other for the longest time, being the daughter of the chief of the Border Tribe, you and Shuri have known each other since birth. Bonding over your love for tech. Not only did you have one of the highest IQ's, you were also one of the strongest warriors Wakanda had. Your mother is a Dora Milage so you trained everyday with them since you could crawl.

Everything was going great for the both of you until Shuri started getting engulfed in her tech work. She worked overtime to prove to the elders that she could also be useful but it angered you. Not because she was expanding her work but because she wasn't making time for you. She dismissed you, she didn't even let you enter the lab sometimes and that was where you worked. Eventually, you got sick of it, sick of everything and just left. For the better. Or was it?

"Miss Y/N, you have arrived." your driver says as you snap out of your thoughts. The car door opens for you as you steop out in white pumps and a black bodycon dress, your curls resting all around you as you straightened your gold chain.

The Dora Milage immediately bowed to you as you noticed your mother smiling at you but your face remained expressionless. You walked into the palace as you muttered under your breath. "i can't believe I'm back here again."

You walked through the palace corridors as you stopped in front of the lab, 2 Dora Milage warriors on either side of the door. You were contemplating entering when you heard 2 women's voices.

Turning around, you were met with Okoye and Nakia looking at you.

Nakia immediately embraced you as you hugged her back, realizing how much you missed your friends.

"Y/N...it pained us so much when you were not there for T'Challa's funeral." Nakia started as Okoye stood still and silent, not looking over to you.

"I was busy...I'm sorry. Send the queen my condolences-" you start but Okoye cut you off sharply.

"The queen is dead." She said, almost as if she was choking on her words as Nakia looked down.

A hand flew to your mouth as you felt your eyes watering. Queen Ramonda was like your mother figure, so caring and loving.

"That is why we asked you here. I'm guessing you didn't read the envelope?" Nakia asked as you tilted your head to the side.

"There was an envelope?"

"Typical." Okoye kissed her teeth as you turned to her to see her smiling.

"Okoye..."

"You know I can't be mad at you for long. Small small girl, come here." She held out your arms as you chuckled, hugging her tightly but when you pulled back, both Okoye and Nakia had serious expressions on their face.

"We need your help Y/N...help the country. Help Shuri." Nakia voiced out as your mood soured when she mentioned your ex's name but she gave you a look. "Please, put your petty beef to the side. She hasn't been herself lately, she's been engulfing herself in her work, you're the only one we know that can help her."

"Is this what you called me for?"

"Not all, we also need help defeating a treacherous villain. Namor. All the information has already been sent to your...iPhone." Okoye said the last part in disgust as you rolled your eyes playfully.

"Sorry ma'am, but it's how you keep up with stuff out of country nowadays."

"I still don't know why you didn't take your kimoyo beads with you. They're great advances."

"Yea but she built em didn't she."

"And it was your design."

"Look, let's not get into battle of the tech here alright?" Nakia said, as she looked between you and Okoye. "Just please help Shuri."

"And the country." Okoye added as you laughed slightly.

You took a sigh and nodded, dismissing them with your hands as you 'promised' to help Shuri. Bullshit, you couldn't give 2 shits about that woman. Your face turned expressionless once more as you entered the lab, startled when a voice started talking out of nowhere.

"My queen, an unknown woman has entered the lab."

"Thank you Griot." Shuri said sarcastically as she didn't even look up from her work.

Your fists balled up slightly. Wow, nothing changed even from when you guys were together. You sighed, maybe you should give her benefit of the doubt, her whole family is gone.

You squinted your eyes, looking around, not knowing where she was.

"What do you want?" her voice came from above and behind you.

You looked up before turning around to see her standing atop some stairs. Your breath hitches, she looks so different than before. She ditched the braids now, her hair shorter than usual. Fades at the sides with curls on the top. It fit her. You took in her white tracksuit and sneakers, tatted hands, and her body got a bit more muscular than last time. She had a ring on her fourth finger. Was she married? The ring looked nothing like your engagement ring and you felt a slight pang in your chest but you shook it off.

You look up to her face but she wasn't even looking at you, she was studying something on her kimoyo beads. Every bit of arousal just disappeared. What an ick, she's still more focused on her work than anything else.

"I was sent to help with defeating Namor."

"Riri?"

"Y/N."

As soon as you said your name, her head darted up as she looked in your direction. You stood still, your hands in front of you as you looked straight ahead, unbothered, which you were.

"Oh uhm.."

"Is Riri your wife?" You ask, motioning towards her ring on her fourth finger.

"Why do you care?" She raised an eyebrow, a stern expression fixated on her face as a frown appeared.

"I don't.." you trailed off as you took note of her face, images of her crying and begging on the lab floor the day you left rushing your mind as you abruptly stopped and shook your head.

"You can go to your quarters, you are not needed here today."

"No thanks, I'll stay. I am here to protect my country, no other intentions needed." You walk up the stairs and right past her as you walk over to your former office and stop, staring in disbelief.

It was decorated with red and yellow and the name "Riri" was spelled out on the wall with an ironman-looking suit standing in the corner of it.

"Of course." You nod your head slightly, of course your office wasn't going to stay the same. She's obviously moved on. You start towards a chair but stop as you hear her right behind you. She grabbed your arm slightly, making you turn around to face her. She still towered over you, even after all this time.

"I got it under control."

"Really? Because if so, Nakia and Okoye wouldn't be begging for me to help you."

Before she can respond, a young woman around our age comes into the lab and looks up at Shuri.

"My love." she said as she ran up to hug her and Shuri hugged her back lovingly, letting go of my arm.

I frowned at the sight and looked away. I shouldn't even be feeling like this, I broke up with her, I'm the asshole.

"Namor...he left a message."

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All 3 of us walked towards the throne room, Shuri in the middle and ahead of us, her hands locked in with the woman who I learned to be named Malia. She wasn't Wakandan but American, you can tell from her accent. I scoffed at this.

The whole time, I stole glances at her. She wasn't even that pretty. Her dress is too short, this is a work area. Is she trying to seduce the elders or what? What's up with those shoes? They're unprofessional. Straightened hair? Really? Americans have no value for their natural hair. "Stop it" i said to myself under my breath. why am i comparing myself to another woman? I don't even care for Shuri, she can suck my clit for all i care.

As we approached the throne room, Shuri took her seat on the throne and I watched Malia sit down in the seat next to her. My former seat. I stood next to the Dora Milage, specifically my mother as I watched the two with hooded eyes.

Okoye pulled out her kimoyo beads where it showed Namor at the border of Wakanda, promising to be back and rid the whole country.

The whole time I was more focused on Malia and Shuri. The way Shuri's hand moved up and down her thigh, the way she looked at her. How unprofessional. And in front of the guards too?

"What is she doing here?" An elder spoke out, causing me to snap out of my trance. Everyone was now looking at me and I put on my best poker face, looking up at them.

"She is still a Wakandan, whether you like it or not." My mother said, standing up for me as I eyed the elder down. I clicked my tongue slightly as he turned away.

After the brief meeting and discussion of what to do, I made my way out of the throne room, right behind Malia who offered to show me to my sleeping quarters.

As we entered my apartment in the palace, I turned to her and raised an eyebrow. "Are you and Shuri married? I need to know whether to address to you as my queen or not." I say, trying to hide the fact that I'm prying for information.

I can see the question catch her off guard as she smiles sweetly at me. "No, not yet. This is just a promise ring, she got it for our anniversary, a few weeks ago, pretty right? She made it specifically for us." She showed her hand as I looked at the ring. It was beautiful and it had the initials "S.M" carved into it.

"Crazy how..if you hadn't left, this would've been you." She said under her breath, her tone sounding less friendly than it was before.

I look up at her, her expression looking more stern as we held eye contact momentarily. It was ice cold and the tension in the room could cut blocks. But then she smiled, her sweet expression coming back to her face.

"That's all, I hope you have a nice stay in Wakanda." She smiled even wider before turning around and leaving the apartment, leaving me to feel unsafe that she knew where I slept.

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That night as I pulled my dress down, I heard a knock on my door. I didn't open it, still occupied with my dress. After a few moments, the door opened.

"I thought I locked that door.."

I turned around to be met face to face with Shuri. My dress fell down, and pooled at my legs. The only thing stopping her from seeing my naked body was a white savage x fenty lingerie set which was even more teasing if I'm being honest.

She was silent for a few moments, looking at me up and down before she gulped and then looked back at my face.

"I didn't know you were in here."

She went silent for a few moments before I looked at her puzzled.

"Not even a sorry?"

"For?"

"Practically barging in my room and then staring me down."

"You're in your head."

"Really? We're gonna pretend the Queen of Wakanda isn't in my bedroom, talking to me as I'm half naked."

"It's nothing I haven't seen before." she blurted out as I stand still, stunned at her words and she too also seems stunned at what she just said.

"I.." she starts but I shake my head, turning around.

"I need you to get the fuck out my space." I say and she doesn't respond until I hear the door opening again.

"I'll need to see you again in the morning and discuss some things about the whole Namor situation. Meet me in my lab at 10 AM sharp, don't be late." She says sternly before I hear the door slam shut.

"Shit, 4 years of sexual frustration does something to you." I say, sighing deeply as I pick up my dress, throwing it on my bed before going to my suitcase to grab my pajamas.

I'm going to hate it here, for sure.

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[aokoaoi]

𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮. ʰᵉᵃᵈᶜᵃⁿᵒⁿˢ

pairings : shuri x fem!reader.

synopsis : shuri has a little crush on you, another lab worker.

genre : fluff.

# someone managing to capture the princess' interest was something she least expected something to happen. but how can she help it if the interest was non-other than a lab worker, (name) (lastname).

# it was definitely strange figuring out if she liked you, or if it was just admiration. eventually, it was infact a small crush.

# she can't help but let her gaze lingers on you from time to time when you're working in the lab. she absolutely loves the dedication and focus you put on your work, it's what always caught her attention when it comes to you.

# you have done countless of important tasks around the lab. so many to the point shuri trusts you to do the most impossible ones.

# you are one brilliant girl as well, but you wouldn't say your knowledge rivaled the princess'. let's just say you were smarter than half the lab workers, or practically even all of the lab workers!

# you both rarely talk though, which is why shuri just admires you from afar. she doesn't know why she's so afraid of approaching you. you've literally been working for her for years, damn it.

# one interesting thing about this, is that you know alot about the wakandan princess, but the princess knows nothing about you.

# when her brother t'challa was still present, he'd often tease his sister to just come up to you and form a conversation. which she didn't.

# all she could do was wave and say hello! maybe when she's lucky, she can say bye to you when you're leaving.

# approaching you wasn't even a challenge, but she was definitely making it one. you just seem like the type to be hard to approach. what if she does end up going near you? what will she say then? 'yo what's up?' 'you look good?' 'nice work?'

# yeah she's definitely not gonna take that chance just to embarrass herself.

# often times, she sees nakia coming up to you to strike a conversation. it made shuri internally sulk to herself to see someone else talk to you so freely. she probably even believes you and nakia are 'besties'.

# when you see her staring at you, you form the most beautiful and sweetest smile she's ever seen. augh, your smile bro, it can make someone's day.

# despite not knowing much about you, shuri can definitely tell you're a very sweet and caring person. she justs can't help but melt when she sees you take over someone's work to help them when they're struggling.

# she thinks you're perfect girlfriend material too.

# she assumes alot about you and your personality based on what she sees you do. as of right now, she thinks you're caring, but you easily run out of patience when you're being provoked. yes, she's made a mental note not to get on your nerves because you're absolutely ruthless when upset.

# shuri has had enough feeling left out though. okoye, nakia, and other people had already had formed some sort of bond with you already, but she hasn't. she can't help but feel jealous when she hears nakia talk about you.

# sooner or later, she will eventually have the courage to talk to you.

"how can an edit be hot?" — "its hot when letitia wright is in it."

[jnkgrnde]

— low

parings : shuri x black!fem!reader

warnings : a little bit of smut near the end 🤭🤭

summary : quick drabble about you and shuri fucking on the low. based off of ‘low’ by sza (stream sos). a good bit of this is inspired by a fic i read!

got another side of me, i like to get it poppin’,

you were a well known model in wakanda. your face was plastered in magazines, billboards, you name it, so of course queen shuri would know of you. even before that, she’d known you.

you’d gotten to know each other over the years, and eventually you just couldn’t take it anymore — the too-needy looks you gave each other, the lingering touches that kept you up at night and eventually had you touching yourself..

shuri surprisingly agreed with you; a night in that was supposed to be nothing but movies turned into you grinding down on her lap while you kissed with such need to it ending with you both covered in a sheen of sweat in her silk woven sheets, panting like you’d ran a marathon.

shuri never thought that you, out of all people, would act the way you did in bed — like you’d experience the things you did before. you seemed so sweet and kind when she first met you, a blinding smile on your face while you shook her hand.

it shocked her to say the least.

but these bitches in my business got me here choosin’ violence.

one of the downsides of hooking up with shuri was that you couldn’t just come out and say you and her were fucking. also, a lot of the women in wakanda had feelings for her.

you knew that before this whole thing but you didn’t think it was bad enough that a girl would try arguing and jumping you at a party.

you were all dolled up, lip gloss coating your lips and making them shine and oh-so kissable, hair down. you were wearing a deep purple dress that almost reached the floor. it hugged you in all the right places and had a large slit that showed off your toned thigh, a pair of heels to match.

shuri couldn’t take her eyes off you the whole night. she considered taking you right then and there.

she was getting handsy and it only furthered when you danced. your eyes were clouded as you admired her in her suit.

she knew exactly what she was doing to you.

although, apparently a woman who had a crush on her wanted to be in your place.

“excuse me?” you heard a snarky voice ask. you turned around and immediately felt the mood ruined. despite the girls rude stare, you chose to be polite. “yes?” “do you know the queen? why are you all up on her?” she started throwing out of place questions and it started drawing attention, including the dora’s. you looked at shuri with a confused look before looking back at the girl.

“is there a problem with me dancing with her?” you questioned, starting to get annoyed. “no, you’re just dancing like you know her.”

“i do know her so i don’t see what the problem is.” the dora milaje started walking over to help assess the situation. okoye stepped in front of you before you said something you would regret. “step away.” the girl scoffed before stomping away in anger. the crowd slowly started to turn away, now dispersing into whispers of the scene or the conversations they had before.

you sighed and decided to step out the building for air.

if you see me out in public you don’t know me, keep it silent.

the night after that situation, you both agreed upon not being seen with each other in public unless absolutely necessary.

nights you were at the club were spent throwing dark glances at each other, yearning for her touch and her hands on you. you watched with a burning feeling in your stomach when she danced with other people, but you knew better than to break your promise.

in the bedroom i be screamin’, but outside i keep it quiet.

now, here you were bent over on shuri’s strap, loud moans leaving you. “you close, usana?” “yes- fuck, shuri, please-“ she grinded her hips deep into you, leaving sweet kisses down your body. “so close, so close-“ you whined, head dropping to the fluffy pillow below you. “cum for me, my love.”

the next day, you had photoshoot with her for a magazine. every time you looked at her and made eye contact, you blushed thinking of the events from the night before.

all you had to do was keep quiet.

[mickimomo]

Attuma with the babies - part 1

Listen. I just know Attuma is an extremely involved and supportive husband when it comes to raising his and Okoye's kids.

So just come with me as I write out a few thoughts.

This is based in The Sun & The Sky AU. 💓

My thoughts:

The first time Attuma held the twins, he cried. They were so small and precious. From the moment he saw them, he knew that he'd destroy any and every threat that dared to trouble them. Okoye was given many soft kisses and praises for bringing their kids into the world too. Gentle massages, careful assistance with bathing, and homemade meals. You know, all the good stuff. Anything to help her as she healed and rested. Gotta make sure his sun is shining too. 😌

Anytime their babies would cry, he'd sprint to the scene to hold them and soothe them. Okoye is often impressed by how in tune he is with the twins. Sometimes it seems like he's able to sense their distress before they make an audible cry. Even in the midst of his slumber, he'll wake up and go check on their two bundles of joy.

Whenever Okoye has to breastfeed them, he's there helping and being supportive. Whether he's rubbing her back. Holding her so that she's able to rest in his arms. Or feeding her because she's a bit hungry and her arms are full. He read a lot of books while she was pregnant, so he's constantly rubbing her down with salves he read about to make sure she's never sore after breastfeeding and that she's eating properly to keep producing milk.

And as Okoye begins to observe the changes to her body, postpartum, Attuma is always boosting her head up. She doesn't even get a chance to think any less of herself. He's always praising her, drowning her in love, and gifting her things so that she knows she's just as special as their babies. He'll take care of the kids, so that she can go train a little or have some alone time. He'll even plan little picnic dates for them in the living room, while the twins are sleeping, so the romance stays alive. 🥺 He'll bring her home flowers and a baked treat, every time he comes home from patrolling. Eager to relieve her of any stress, she may be feeling from taking care of the twins all day by herself.

Whenever Okoye is napping, he's always walking around with the babies wrapped securely to his torso. Ever since Aneka showed him how to wrap the babies securely and wear them- he saw it while out and wished to learn- he does it as often as he can. He's a proud father. The twins are his pride and the fruits of his love. Why wouldn't he keep them close?

Everyone finds it cute. Such a large and intimidating man wearing two little babies.

Yes, Aneka and Namora take pictures and send them to Okoye. Shuri has been working on building a super cool stroller to earn the title of Auntie of the Year. It's a hard competition with RiRi in the lab. To their dismay, Oni manages to one up them by giving Attuma more patterned wraps made with a longer and stretchier cloth. (Attuma will carry his babies until they are 4. And even then. He'd just move on to piggyback rides. 😭 He feels that they are safer when they are close. 🥺 But he has to get more creative as he and Okoye's family grows. Imagine him with 12 kids wrapped around him. 💀 Jk. 12 kids is my running joke. It does not have to be canon.)

"Man- I know we didn't just get one upped by a piece of fabric." RiRi scowled as Oni and Attuma talked.

Namora was proud of her wife, shooting a small glare at RiRi. "You did. Accept it."

"Those praises do not fall on you. You're just as crappy of an aunt as us." RiRi huffed before laughing when Namora gently nudged her and rolled her eyes.

"He's a simple man." Shuri groaned. "I should have listened to K'uk'ulkan."

"He'll come around." Aneka gently pet them on the back. "You're crazy if you think he's only having two kids with udade. Your inventions will come in handy eventually."

"She is right." Namora hummed. "We all aspire to have big families."

The funny thing about Attuma wearing the twins is that they are so small that they're both able to be strapped to the front of his chest. As they get older, the less chaotic of the twins get to chill in the front. (They don't try to grab ingredients or kick things while he'd cooking. Safety first people.) It's okay. He often gives his toddler on his back pieces of cut fruit to keep their spirits lifted and help them feel involved.

Okoye is always amused to see him talking to the twins while cooking and running errands, even though they're tiny and unable to process what he's saying.

"We are making K'iin food. K'iin means sun." He whispered. "K'iin is your mother. Na' is how you say mother." He'd remind them. "We must make sure she stays bright and healthy." He'd say as he chopped up some ingredients. "So we are making her soup to help her heal, because having two babies took a toll on her. She needs lots of food and rest so that she can continue to be the best mother she already is to both of you." He smiled behind his rebreather. "We will start by cutting up these carrots-"

"Ah." One of the babies would sound out.

"-Yes." He'd grin before pressing a soft kiss into the infant's head. "And we'll add onions, peppers, and chicken. Na' like corn, so we have to add it too."

Sometimes he'll sing to them in mayan. It's not a tune that's laced with strong suggestions like the one he'd drown his enemies with. It's often a song his mother would hum to him when he was small. Something he was happy to pass down to his own children.

And that concludes Part 1. ♡

p.s. I feel like the first set of twins would be identical boys. And they'd end up being mama boys (in a healthy way), because Attuma raised them to respect women. 😤 So, yeah.